Green Rental Upkeep

     Renters have more control over their living environment than they think. Whether it’s changing light bulbs, applying weather stripping, painting with low VOC paints, or growing plants and herbs on our window sill, every little effort we make takes us a step closer to sustainability.

     One of the biggest obstacles to living green in a rental property is the feeling of powerlessness to make changes. It's important to remember that as a tenant you are a customer and you deserve decent service. A good landlord should work with you to make your home as pleasant as possible. So talk to them if the property is drafty, the toilet keeps running, or heating systems are inefficient. After all, investing in improvements will help them to retain tenants, attract new ones, and it will increase the value of their property. The owner might be particularly amenable to funding improvements if you do the math to show them the return on their investment, and offer your labor free of charge. It’s a win-win situation for all concerned.

     Many rental properties suffer from poor insulation or leaky doors and windows, but it doesn't have to be that way. By applying simple, affordable measures, like weather stripping to doors and windows, or placing reflective foil behind radiators, you can have a significant impact on your energy bills. You can even apply plastic glazing to windows to increase heat retention. Installing sun shielding shades and blinds can also go a long way to regulate light and temperature in your home.

     Water is becoming an ever diminishing resource. Installing the latest in low-flow water fixtures is great, but it's not too high on most landlords' priority list. Start small by encouraging your landlord to install water-efficient faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. If they aren't up for springing for new ones, the installations are easy enough that you can do it, if they'll let you.

     Adding a fresh coat of paint to a rental property can be one of the easiest ways to make it feel like home. Unfortunately, many paints are loaded with toxins that are not only harmful to the environment, but can also be hazardous to your health. Be sure to search out brands of paint with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). You can even experiment with the increasing number of natural paints that are appearing on the market in major chain stores.

     Making your living space a home is important even if you rent. If you rent green, it will make your living space more personal and eventually more satisfying.