Green Rentals- the low hanging fruit-
Having a Green Rental can benefit the planet, the renters and also the landlord.
How?
There are some easy things to take advantage of that will benefit everyone.
Rebates and Freebies: One of the main things to do is check for City Rebates. The City of
Know what you have- some of the things about your rental are probably already green, and you just haven’t told the world!
Are you within easy walking distance to stores, schools, parks, restaurants, employers? What about a quick drive distance? That’s something to promote.
Cost to the landlord? Free
You also may have ceiling fans. Many rentals do. Did you know that using a ceiling fan helps you keep your summer ac usage lower? Now you know! Check another green feature off the list.
Cost to the landlord? Free
How about floors? If you got rid of the carpet long ago because you hated the time and expense of changing it out all the time, then you are in luck- carpets harbor dirt and mold and lead to worse air quality. Hard surface flooring is another green feature and there are some beautiful inexpensive laminate floors out there. You’ll save on changing out the carpet every few years.
Cost to the landlord? Free (equal cost to 4 carpet changes)
Faucet aerators help tenants use less water- it’s a simple gadget that you screw onto the faucets. They cost maybe $4 at the most. Check another off the list!
Cost to the landlord? $4-$12
Changing out the roof soon? Go for the lightest color you can. Light color will reflect heat better and keep the unit cooler.
Cost to the landlord? Free
Insulation is another easy one. You can buy recycled natural fiber insulation- just remember to stick it in there during the winter so you don’t pass out from summer heat! Easy to do, and not pricy either. Check another one off the list.
Cost to the landlord? $200 if you toss it in yourself
Track the numbers- get the past year of utility bills from the tenants, and then track the bills after the updates are done! (Free)
Cost to the landlord? Free
Living a greener lifestyle is all over the place these days. Almost every news site I see has a green living section, and as utility costs rise, you’ll have a rental which will rise above the rest.
