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The third and final part of our environmental series focuses on things tenants can do to reduce their daily carbon footprint. There are countless actions you can take to green your apartment and to keep the green in your pockets. Check out some of these easy and beneficial changes below!
Monitor Your Energy Consumption With the Utility Company
Electrical companies are providing tools to get the green-movement rolling. ComEd (Chicago) has a new promotion called “Save Energy with Your Friends,” that allows you to compare your energy bill with friends and family. The tool monitors your energy use and also prepares a personalized energy plan. Start a friendly competition to see who can use less energy per month! You will not only save yourself money but also have fun at the same time.
Be Smart With Your Trash
According to the annual Municipal Waste Study completed by the EPA, in 2010 Americans generated about 250 tons of waste and recycled about 34% of the total contribution. Most of this waste, 55%-65%, came from homes and apartments alone. Being smart about waste disposal is easy and cost-effective. Waste removal companies like Veolia help make reducing environmental toxins associated with trash easy. In most states, you can receive a cash deposit back for recycling cans and bottles which can really add up. Be smart about other forms of waste, like plastic water bottles and shopping bags. Invest in reusable forms of both- they’re trendy, cheap and environmentally sound.
Give Yourself an Audit
Ouch! Sounds painful. It’s not. With great companies such as Verde, which provides an iPad app to check out your energy use and offers suggestions to save the environment and money, it’s not only pain-free but fun. Verde’s App guides you through each of the different energy uses in a typical home and offers suggestions to reduce that usage. The average Verde user saves between $72 and $200 per year by following the “green” suggestions from within the app. The app is free to download, so check it out now!
Smart Savings Suggestions For Your Rental
The following tips will seem like common sense, but most of us are guilty of breaking these suggestions.
- Close windows and doors when you’re not entering or leaving your apartment. Also, close your chimney flute and chute when you’re not using your chimney. Don’t let warm air escape for no reason in the winter and keep cool air inside in the winter. Cost: Free!
- If your doors are old and frail, you can get a draft guard for just a few dollars. Keeping air where it needs to be and at a consistent temperature can save you upwards of 10% on your utility bill. Cost: Less than $20.00
- Consider buying and using timers for lights that you regularly forget to turn off. These are good for garages, attics, basements, closets, or potentially common areas that you may share with other tenants. Timers can also be used on devices and appliances. Cost: Less than $20.00
- Invest in power strips and extension cords that use less power to fuel appliances. Even when a device such as your T.V. is off, it’s still feeding off your power supply. These “smart” power strips cut power to devices that aren’t being used and automatically direct power back again when you do need it. Not only will these save you money on your utility bill, but most of these come with surge protectors and other conveniences to protect your devices. Cost: Less than $20.00
- Upgrade your lightbulbs to energy efficient bulbs. You may not realize this, but the energy used on a regular lightbulb costs between 5 to 10 times the purchase price of lightbulb itself. This kind of lighting can comprise upwards of 25% of a typical utility bill. Efficient light bulbs use about 1/30 the power of a regular lightbulb, last up to 10 times longer, are more durable, are mercury-free, and don’t burn as hot (think of your fingertips next time you need to replace a bulb). Cost: $5 per bulb.
- User dimmer switches on your light bulbs if you don’t need them to be full brightness all the time. These are incredibly easy to install and cost $5 for each dimmer.
- Keep your fridge full. Not only will you not go hungry, but the items in your fridge help keep the fridge cooler each time you open the door. Rather than cool air easily escaping, the cold stays inside requiring less energy to constantly refrigerate. Getting low on groceries, consider just putting jugs of water in your fridge. Water stays cold longer than air. Cost: Free!
So, why wouldn’t you want to be green, especially if it’s saving you money!? For some more inspiration check out our Pinterest board, Tenants Go Green. Do the socially responsible thing- and get ready to reap the economic benefits.
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This post is the second in a three-part series focused on environmentally-friendly tips for landlords. Part I of this series focused on green solutions landlords should consider implementing while remodeling or renovating units.
In this section of the series, you will learn about small changes that will save you money and will save the environment. At first, these changes may not sound meaningful, but it’s important to remember that implementing several small changes can have a significant impact. Check out some of our suggestions below.
Use Renewable Electrical Energy
Renewable energy, sometimes called “Green Power,” is a substitute for traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil. Using renewable energy does not mean that the energy comes directly from wind or solar powered machinery, but that the energy is clean and pure from pollutants. A lot of electrical companies these days offer environmentally-friendly energy. Often, it is as simple as setting up electrical feeds from environmentally friendly providers and letting your tenants know their options. Green Mountain Energy has been providing renewable energy to their customers since 1997, but they are only one of many renewable electrical energy companies. Don’t be afraid to look around!
Paint it Green
According to Eartheasy, a company that specializes in alternative products to save the environment, “indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes.” When considering repainting or refinishing your unit, choose non-toxic, environment-friendly paints that will not only save the environment but also protect your tenants from harmful chemicals. The Eartheasy website has many options, but they are not the only company specializing in sustainable paints. Other options include BioShield, Milk Paint, and Miller Paint. Some paint manufacturers also sell environmentally friendly paints, so be on the lookout for companies like Benjamin Moore and McCormick Paints.
Save H2O
Most of the population knows that fresh water is a limited resource, yet people still abuse the privilege of having unlimited waterspout from the sink and shower on a daily basis. When inspecting your unit’s bathroom(s) or kitchen, take precautions to ensure that the faucets, toilets, and showers are working properly. Make sure that they are not leaking, as leakage is not only wasteful, but also quite costly. Insulating pipes will speed up the time it takes for hot water to travel through the pipes, conserving the water it takes to reach the temperature you desire. While water is a necessity, it is also a privilege, so do your part in making sure your tenants conserve as much as possible.
Make the Switch
Most of the time, you will be responsible for providing lightbulbs in main areas of your unit. If you pay the electric bill for your tenants, swapping out incandescent bulbs for CFL or LED bulbs can save you money and benefit the environment. While the initial cost of the bulb may be greater, CFLs last almost 7x longer than incandescent bulbs and LEDs can last up to 42x as long! Switching to CFLs saves you up to $250 per year, and LEDs saves up to $300 per year. Not to mention, incandescent bulbs emit 10x as much Carbon Dioxide emissions annually. For more facts, check out the full study here–talk about a win-win!
This list is by no means complete; there is an endless number of small at-home renovations you can make to improve the worth of your unit and the environment. Be smart about the investments you make. Start small and reap the rewards that come from completed projects before moving on to the next adventure!
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What does this blog post have in common with the incredible hulk? We’re both going green! In fact, we’re dedicating not just one, but three blog posts to environmental activism. Our hope is that this three-part series will help you become an environmentally friendly, green machine. In Part I, you will learn how to make environmentally friendly renovations and repairs. In Part II, you’ll learn quick money saving tips that also benefit the environment and, in Part III, you will learn how your tenants can get in on the action.
When renovating your unit, the trick is to balance the feasible changes that will increase the value of your rental AND those that will help the environment. There are many choices, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options out there.
Take a look at our list below.
Use Eco-Flooring
If you’re going to spend the time and money replacing any type of flooring in your unit, consider going green. For example, bamboo floors make a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors. They look great, are resistant to insects and moisture, and are so durable, you can let your tenant skateboard on the floor without any worries! Technically speaking, bamboo is a grass, not a wood, and grows considerably faster than maple, oak, and other hardwoods, making it extremely renewable and eco-friendly. But bamboo is exotic and will cost a fortune to import, right? Think again! Bamboo costs about $4.85/sqft, which is about half of what maple floors cost. The real question then becomes, why wouldn’t you choose bamboo? Eco Friendly Flooring is an awesome place to start exploring alternative flooring that is affordable and environmentally friendly. Green America also has some great tips and links to other environmental flooring companies.
Save Water
As we continue to deplete our freshwater resources, choosing the right plumbing fixtures and appliances for your unit is more important than ever. Fortunately, plumbing fixtures that help the environment will also save you money. According to one study, if one out of every 10 homes in the United States upgraded to water-efficient plumbing (toilets, sinks, showers,etc.), the U.S. could save more than 300 billion gallons and nearly $2 billion annually. How does that translate to you personally? The EPA estimates that a family of four saves $90 annually and $2000 for the duration of the fixture! The EPA has a great resources page with links to plumbing fixtures that are eco-friendly.
Forget Drywall
According to a study by Popsci, drywall is the third highest contributor to greenhouse gases among building materials. Fortunately, EcoRock, a recent breakthrough in environmental technologies, is an innovative product made from almost 85% recycled materials. EcoRock takes less energy to produce and is made up of compounds that are impervious to termites and mold. Talk about a life-savior! Right now, EcoRock costs about the same as regular drywall, so what are you waiting for?
Invest in Renewable Energy
You’ve seen the rising gas prices lately; fossil fuels are expensive and we’re guzzling through our limited resources faster than ever before. Don’t believe us? The research doesn’t lie. The graph below shows the energy obtainable from fossil fuels as a function of time.
Want to save money and the environment? Think renewable. Solar panels are becoming more mainstream every year. Costs vary based on the type of building and surrounding space, but this online calculator will give you a pretty accurate estimate for your unit. Generally, renewable energy pays for itself within six years for most residential buildings, and is a nice tax write off! What’s to lose! Companies like Green Power Works Inc, based in the Midwest, will work with you to find the best renewable option for your building.
Takeaways
Overall, these improvements to your unit will really make a difference in the environment, not to mention save you a hefty amount in bills. For some inspiration, (and cool photos), check out our Pinterest board, Remodeling 2.0: Affordability and Sustainability. Do as much as you can, and spread the word about your improvements. The more people who get on board with your movement, the healthier our planet will be, and don’t forget to stay tuned for Parts II and III of the environmental series!
Join our community of responsible landlords and tenants.
Written by Emily Bauersfeld.
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It’s important to determine the difference between wear and tear (damage that comes with the natural aging process) versus unreasonable damage that is hindering the future value of the unit. As the property owner, how do you make the distinction?
City ordinances can be unclear on how to distinguish between normal wear and tear and property damage, so here are some basic guidelines for both tenants and landlords.
What Is Normal Wear and Tear?
Generally, normal wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a rental property caused by a tenant’s everyday use. This may also be described as reasonable wear and tear that can be easily resolved with minimal effort.
Examples of Normal Wear and Tear
Some examples of acceptable wear and tear include the following:
- Faded paint around the unit
- Loose wallpaper
- Pull strings from blinds are tangled or broken
- Carpet or tile is worn down and dirty
- Scuffed wood floors
- Cracked windows or doors due to old frames
- Hinges on cabinets worn or slightly stuck
- Dirt build-up on windows
What Is Property Damage?
Property damage is damage caused by a tenant due to abuse or neglect that can negatively impact the value of a unit. Unlike normal wear and tear, property damage is usually more expensive to repair, which is why landlords require tenants to cover repair costs to fix. Depending on the severity of these damages, this could cause tenants to forfeit part or all of their security deposit, receive a notice to vacate, or face eviction.
Examples of Property Damage
Here are some examples of property damage that are not considered wear and tear:
- Unauthorized paint or wallpaper
- Large holes in the walls
- Ripped or missing window screens
- Scratches on kitchen counters from cutting food on the surface
- Broken appliances (stove, toilet, etc.)
- Broken or missing blinds
- Stains or burns on the floor
- Pet scratches on walls and floors
How to Maintain Your Rental Unit
Understanding normal wear and tear versus damage is only the first step to keeping your rental in good condition. Outlined below are some steps you can take to maintain the value of the property.
- Perform A Walk-Through Inspection
To keep track of new and existing damage, perform a rental property walk-through inspection before and after a tenant occupies the unit. This involves going through every room to assess the rental’s overall condition and documenting your findings to reference in the future. This will help you identify any normal wear and tear and property damage that occurred over the course of the lease.
- Complete Regular Maintenance
A regular maintenance plan can help you avoid major repairs in the long run. Regular maintenance can include landscaping, maintaining the HVAC system, and inspecting for pests.
Just as well, don’t neglect maintenance requests from your tenants. Failing to address a leak they’ve noticed in the ceiling could result in damage that you’ll be responsible for paying for.
- Create a Detailed List of Property Damage Charges
As your tenant begins the move-in process, you can provide them with a document of potential property damages and the charges associated with them. Clear guidelines can let your tenant know exactly what to be especially mindful of during their lease. If you do find property damage during your walk-through, you can reference your list to estimate how much repair costs will be.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to let the tenant know if you plan to keep money from their security deposit, so this step can help you stay compliant with local landlord-tenant laws.
Handle Maintenance Repairs With Avail
When determining what is reasonable wear and tear versus property damage, keep the examples above in mind and make sure to be reasonable. Be aware that certain repairs will cost more than others, depending on the extent of the damage.
Landlords can easily track maintenance requests, log maintenance expenses, and manage repairs with Avail. Communicate with your tenants with built-in messaging, share photos, and automatically keep records directly from your profile. Log in or create an account today to set up your rentals and handle maintenance repairs in one place.
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