Eco-Friendly Rental Properties: How to Greenify Your Rental

Many of us are finding ways to be more eco-friendly in our own lives in order to protect the health of the planet. This includes reducing plastic consumption, recycling when possible, and watching our water and electricity usage. Did you know that as a landlord, you could be taking steps to make your rental property more environmentally conscious? These days, there are so many new and exciting ways to create eco-friendly rental properties and reduce your own carbon footprint as well as that of your tenants.

Why Are Eco-Friendly Rental Properties the Way to Go?

The most obvious reason why landlords should be creating eco-friendly rental properties is the simple fact that every small action can make a difference in our environment.

When hundreds of thousands or even millions of property owners make a few simple switches, it can drastically reduce water and electricity waste, creating tangible positive effects for the planet. Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a movement?

Another significant benefit to making your properties eco-friendly is the competitive edge it gives your home over others in the area. Living in a home that’s as environmentally aware as possible is a major priority these days for many renters who not only care about the environment but also want to keep their utility bills low.

When your property has specific upgrades that make the home more environmentally conscious, potential renters will be impressed and consider your property over others. Additionally, care for the environment signals to your potential tenants that you are a conscientious person who will care for their needs as well during their tenancy.

Ways to Make Your Rental More Green

What exactly goes into eco-friendly rental properties to make them so beneficial to the environment? There are several steps you can take as a landlord to reduce your property’s water and energy outputs, reducing stress on the planet and lowering your tenants’ utility bills in the process.

1. Drought-Resistant Landscaping

For many generations, the neat grass lawn was considered to be the standard for an attractive, well-kept yard. However, this standard doesn’t take into account that the type of grass typically used in both front yards and back yards is not native to many regions of the country and takes a great deal of water to maintain.

Do some research into your area’s native plants and consider a landscaping change-up. If the plants you install are native to your region’s climate, you won’t have to use nearly as much water to keep them alive and healthy. You could even invest in some succulents, which look great and require very little water.

2. Energy Efficient Appliances

There are so many great options out there for household appliances that are designed to use as little energy as possible. Many of these appliances also have features that turn them off automatically when they are not in use, which can save your property energy and protect your tenants from dangerous situations.

Consider an energy-efficient oven, microwave, or refrigerator for the next eco-friendly upgrade you make to your rental property.

3. Smart Heating and Cooling

Thermostats that don’t allow for user adjustments can be huge energy wasters. If your rental property still uses an outdated thermostat, you could upgrade to a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted by your tenants to save energy and money.

Many eco-friendly rental properties even have smart thermostats that can be controlled directly from a smartphone.

4. Water-Saving Shower Heads

High-pressure showers can waste a huge amount of water, especially with old and outdated shower heads. At any local hardware store, you’ll be able to find a variety of shower heads specifically designed to save water.

Many of these are low-flow shower heads, which allow the water pressure to go up to only a certain point in order to prevent excessive waste when the shower is in use.

5. Caulk to Prevent Air Leakage

A surprising amount of air from the AC or heater can escape from the house through leakage, wasting money and energy. Make sure your property’s walls and corners are properly caulked to prevent air leakage and keep the home feeling comfortable throughout the year.