Of course, the environment is on your radar. You want to be eco-friendly, and you believe in sustainable living, but how does that apply to your rental properties? Here are some tips to be eco-responsible without wiping out your income. 

Energy Efficiency: Of course, this will have more of an impact if you pay the utilities, but there are advantages even if you don’t.  A property that promises lower utilities will have a greater attraction factor for tenants, as well as a reason to stay. There are multiple ways to make your rental more energy efficient, including – 

• • • Repairing windows and exterior doors. Spraying expandable foam in gaps around the window and door trim can reduce air loss. 
    • Replacing window glazing or caulking and even a fresh coat of paint can also improve energy efficiency. 
    • In some cases, replacing with new doors and windows, though a costly investment, will bring you a higher ROI in the end. 
    • Installing insulation in your attic will reduce both heating and cooling bills. 

Don’t overlook the inside of your rental: If you have old appliances, they can waste water and use high amounts of energy.  

• • • Purchasing new appliances not only increases energy efficiency but also enhances your kitchen’s appearance and raises your property’s tenant attraction.   
    • Consider a tankless water heater – studies show they can reduce energy bills by 20-50%. 
    • Easy DIY changes include installing LED lightbulbs, low-flow showerheads, and programmable smart thermostats. 

Encourage your tenants to join the green movement: 

• • • Make recycling easy via recycling bins. 
    • Switch to paperless billing and rent collection. 

Are you planning to remodel a rental? Check out this article by Jessica on Freshome. She discusses ten eco-friendly ways to renovate, from reclaimed or preowned materials to finding ways to deconstruct rather than demolish. 

Finally, set an example for others by living sustainably: Each week, challenge yourself to look for one additional way to incorporate sustainable living practices into your lifestyle. Some examples include reducing food waste, using reusable bags, or switching to sustainable cleaning products.  

There are many sites with suggestions for both living sustainably and upgrading your properties to eco-friendly investments. Making small, simple changes is key to moving from desires and great ideas to making choices that positively impact the environment.   

As always, Rentals America, your local property management resource, is happy to offer helpful tips.  

 About Rentals America 

Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.