Most renters aren't going to erect solar panels on their own but that doesn't mean your rental property can't break the un-green mold and set an example for everyone who chooses to avoid a monthly mortgage payment. Grab your landlord and make a visit to Planet Green's "How to Go Green: Rental Properties."
Top Tips for Greening Your Rental Property
Shop Around: Not everyone seeking to rent an apartment or house has the luxury of being overly picky. However, there is some pre-renting investigation you can do to gauge the greenness of your options. For example, find out if the property is within walking distance of public transportation, schools, stores, leisure activities, or even your job.
Coat of Green: The most common rite of passage for an apartment or home about to welcome a new tenant is slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Talk to your future landlords about non-toxic, low VOC, organic, or odor-free paint options.
Quality Over Quantity: Much of the Western world—America in particular—seems allergic to the concept: less is more. As you get ready to choose a rental property, you have an ideal opportunity to re-evaluate your needs in terms of space, number of rooms, etc. Another mantra: The smaller your house or apartment, the less energy is needed to heat and light it, and the smaller its physical footprint on the land will be.
Did You Know?
- $115: Savings, per year, each household can realize by weatherizing windows and doors
- 1.2 million of U.K. households will still be in fuel poverty (that is, spending more than 10% of their income on energy costs) in 2010. The vast majority of these will be in rental accommodation
For more on Rental Property Tips check out Planet Green's Guide, How to Go Green: Rental Properties. For more on Going Green, check out the Planet Green How to Go Green Archives.
