Being eco-friendly is obviously good for the environment, but there are also other benefits to it. As a landlord, you’re always open to ideas that will make your property more attractive to tenants. Initiating a few eco-conscience decisions can do just that, especially for millennials and generation z.
At first, you might be concerned about the cost of eco-friendly updates. While some green initiatives do come with a heavy price tag, others are much more affordable. Plus, eco-friendly upgrades save you money in the long run, especially if they impact the utilities. Incorporating eco-friendly upgrades can also improve your property value. That means there’s the potential for increasing the monthly rent. What’s not to like about an upgrade that improves the environment while padding your wallet?
But, where do you start?
Lightbulbs
We recommend doing something small at first, such as switching to LED bulbs. LED lightbulbs use less energy, don’t have mercury in them (like fluorescents) and last longer. That’s a complete win and a very affordable, easy upgrade.
Restrooms
Next, let’s take a look at the bathrooms. There are two upgrades you can make in your restrooms to reduce water use. For example, a low-flow showerhead that allows tenants to choose the amount of water pressure they’d like to use is an easy and affordable upgrade. You should also consider upgrading your toilets. The toilet is one of the appliances that waste the most water. You could upgrade the toilets at your property to newer eco-friendly models or you could get a dual flush converter kit for toilets, which is an easier, more affordable solution.
Kitchen upgrades
Turning our attention to the kitchen, it’s a good idea to upgrade all your appliances with EnergyStar certified ones. Newer devices should last longer and require fewer repairs. Plus, they’ll save on energy and are attractive items to put on your listing.
Temperature control
Another way you can reduce energy consumption is by using thermostats that are programmable. This will give your tenants the ability to choose the temperature as they see appropriate, instead of wasting money by pumping out too much heat or air conditioning. Another way to help with heating is to utilize large windows. These allow more sun to come in keeping the rental unit warm and reducing energy consumption. Solid blinds can help when people need to keep the room cooler as well. It’s a great way to save on the electric bill. If you’d like to take the green initiative to a higher plane, you can adopt solar panels. This will be an expensive undertaking, but it can pay off big in the long run and is an attractive point for tenants.
Access to recycling
Moving on, let’s not forget the easy option of adding recycling to your property. That may mean offering recycling bins and instructions regarding curbside pickup or a recycling option at your rental unit for multiple tenants. If you do offer recycling, make sure that tenants understand what can and can’t be recycled. The more information the better, as it can help them make informed decisions.
Walkability
As we mentioned, eco-friendly solutions can make your rental property more attractive to tenants. Another way you can appeal to tenants who are eco-conscience is to mention any other perks that could affect how green they’re able to be. For example, does your property have easy access to local parks or shops? If so, make sure you mention it in the listing. Tenants looking to be more green will like the fact that they have the option to use less gas to get around.
Paper reduction
One more thing to keep in mind is how much paper waste you have. As a business professional, it’s not difficult to go through a lot of paper. You have applications that come in, invoices that get mailed out and rental checks that come in. Thankfully, a reliable property management company can help reduce waste by offering online services. Tenants can apply for your property online and even pay their rent. Paying rent online saves time and paper. It can even save gas money if tenants have to drive to a drop off location.
If you’re looking for a property management company to help you attract the right tenants and run things smoothly, we’re here for you. Check out our website to learn more about what we can do for you and then reach out to us to get started: .
