Sustainability is about more than saving the planet.
It’s about doing better business.
Incorporating eco-friendly upgrades into your properties will make them more attractive to prospective tenants. Tenants want lower energy bills and living spaces to feel good about.
Why Sustainability Matters in Rental Properties
Today’s tenants are more environmentally aware than ever before, and they’re increasingly looking for rental properties that align with those values.
It’s also a matter of economics. Eco-friendly upgrades can reduce operational costs for you as the property owner. From lower utility bills to potential tax incentives, green improvements are an investment that can pay off for owners and tenants in several essential ways.
Here are some of the sustainable upgrades and updates we always recommend to owners looking for creative ways to attract well-qualified tenants.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
One of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make is replacing old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with an ENERGY STAR® label designed to consume less energy without sacrificing performance. Consider refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and HVAC systems.
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances helps reduce the property’s overall energy consumption and appeals to tenants looking to lower their utility bills. This is an excellent way for owners to save on maintenance costs while tenants benefit from lower energy costs.
LED Lighting
Lighting is another easy area where you can make a significant impact. Swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs is a simple and cost-effective upgrade. LED lights use far less energy, last longer, and provide the same brightness level.
Tenants will appreciate the long-term savings they’ll experience with lower electricity bills, and you will rarely have to replace light bulbs in your property.
Smart Thermostats
Another great addition is a smart thermostat. These thermostats can be controlled remotely and allow tenants to adjust temperatures based on their schedules, ensuring the property is not wasting energy when it doesn’t need to be heated or cooled. According to Energy.gov, smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%, making them an attractive feature for tenants who care about their environmental footprint and utility expenses.
Water Conservation Upgrades
Water conservation is another area where small changes can make a big difference. Consider installing low-flow toilets, shower heads, and faucets in your rental property. These fixtures reduce water consumption without compromising performance, helping tenants save on water bills.
Rainwater harvesting systems are another option for rental properties with outdoor space. These systems may not work in downtown apartment buildings, but you might be impressed if you have a property that allows for it. These systems collect rainwater that can be used for landscaping, reducing the need for municipal water. Additionally, tenants may appreciate having access to an eco-friendly way of watering plants and maintaining lawns.
Insulation and Weatherproofing
Proper insulation is essential to maintaining a comfortable living environment and energy efficiency. Ensure your property is insulated, especially in the attic and around windows and doors. Well-insulated homes are easier to heat and cool, which translates to lower energy bills.
Weatherproofing your property by sealing cracks and gaps around windows and doors can also help prevent drafts and reduce the energy required to keep the space comfortable. Tenants will appreciate the consistent temperature and reduced energy costs throughout the year. We have pretty hot summers; tenants will want to keep their cool air indoors.
Sustainable Materials
When renovating or remodeling projects, choose sustainable materials with minimal environmental impact. Bamboo flooring is a durable and eco-friendly alternative to hardwood, as bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource. Reclaimed wood, recycled tiles, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are also great choices for reducing your property’s ecological footprint.
These sustainable materials contribute to a healthier indoor environment and create a modern, stylish look that many tenants seek. Sustainable finishes show you are a responsible property owner dedicated to long-term environmental stewardship.
Landscaping and Green Space
If you have outdoor space, consider native plants and drought-resistant grasses so you don’t have too much water to keep things healthy. Green space is a priority for tenants, so even providing a small courtyard or a patio can make a difference and give them some rest and air.
While discussing outdoor spaces, consider electric charging stations and providing enough space for bike storage. As more people turn to alternative transportation methods, offering secure bicycle storage or installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations can make your property even more appealing. Many tenants choose to bike or drive electric cars to reduce their carbon footprint, and providing the infrastructure to support these choices makes your property stand out.
Making your rental property more sustainable is not only about being a good steward of the environment, but also about making your properties more profitable by attracting a new generation of tenants who prioritize eco-friendly living.
With energy-efficient appliances, water conservation upgrades, and innovative design choices, you can turn your rental property into a modern, sustainable living space that appeals to today’s environmentally conscious renters.
By investing in these upgrades, you’ll boost the appeal and value of your property and position yourself as a forward-thinking landlord who understands the importance of sustainability.
Let’s look at where you are with your properties and what might be possible to make them more efficient and attractive to good tenants.
Please contact us at Silas Frazier Realty, LLC. Whether you have a question or need specific help with one of these options we’ve discussed, we are happy to share what we know. We lease, manage, and maintain investment properties in Atlanta, Snellville, Stone Mountain, Lilburn, Conyers, Smyrna, Marietta, Lithonia, Jonesboro, McDonough, Vinings, Brookhaven, Tucker, and the surrounding areas.
