Finding a tenant who pays their rent on time and takes care of your property…
Going Green: Five Ways to Make Rentals Eco-Friendly
By Mark Hamblyn, Terri Scheer Distribution Manager
Landlords must consider many factors when futureproofing their investment property – one of which is the environment.
While ensuring a greener world for future generations is a shared responsibility, landlords can play their part by implementing a range of energy-saving measures at their properties.
Here are five ways landlords can make a positive environmental impact through simple maintenance and upgrades, while potentially also generating energy bill savings for tenants through reduced energy consumption along the way:
1. Home insulation
Many Australian homes are poorly insulated, leading occupants to constantly rely on heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
Investing in quality insulation to keep homes cooler during summer and warmer during winter, which lessens the need for energy-inefficient heaters and air conditioners.
Double-glazed windows and glass pane treatments are further energy-efficient measures that can better withstand harsh summer and winter conditions, helping to minimise heat gain or loss when compared to standard single glazing.
2. Upgrade hot water systems
When was the hot water system last replaced?
Outdated systems are a common culprit for steep bills, often consuming far more energy and water than newer systems, built with efficiency in mind.
The lifespan of a hot water system can vary between eight and 15 years, so it’s worth checking the age of systems and finding out what rebates or incentives may be available for upgrades in your state or territory.
3. Go solar
Australians are increasingly making the switch over to solar, and it’s easy to see why.
As electricity prices continue to rise, solar panels have become a popular way for landlords to offer a more economical power option for tenants (subject to tenancy and electricity agreements in place).
Australia’s states and territories have various incentives and rebates on offer to encourage property owners to make the switch.
4. Maintaining and repairing leaking pipes or taps
Leaking pipes and taps can lead to extensive property damage if left unchecked, which is why it’s important for landlords to keep up with maintenance before it becomes an issue.
But with water becoming an increasingly scarce resource, even a small, slow leak can lead to massive wastage – and a painful water bill for tenants.
Along with tenant maintenance logs, routine rental inspections by property managers play an important role in identifying the escape of liquid in its early stages, and can help landlords put a stop to further damage down the track.
5. Embrace the greenery
Mature trees and bushes can be strategically placed to offer shade on external walls and windows – keeping heat at bay.
This natural method of keeping a property cool can help to reduce energy consumption with the added benefit of livening up a front or backyard.
While not every landlord is blessed with a green thumb tenant, those with tenants open to maintaining a variety of species in their garden can also support a neighbourhood’s thriving local ecosystem.
More sustainable rental properties offer a win-win for landlords and tenants – in partnership with property managers, landlords can play a positive role in shaping a more eco-friendly rental sector now and into the future.
For further information, call 1800 804 016.
Disclaimer:
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Terri Scheer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you. Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries. This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
