Six ways to become a more environmentally friendly landlord

Rental platform LettingaProperty.com has shared its top tips for landlords looking to maintain a more environmentally friendly property.

Jonathan Daines, Founder and CEO of LettingaProperty.com, comments: “The pandemic has, quite understandably, occupied a large share of our attention over the past 18 months. However, instead of drawing attention away from environmental issues, it has helped us to take a new look at human health, including the need to support it in the longer term by facing our environmental responsibilities head-on.”

LettingaProperty’s 6 ways to become a greener landlord

1. Replace the bulbs in the house with LED lights

LED bulbs last five times as long as halogen bulbs and are far better for the planet. There has been an EU-wide ban on producing or importing halogen bulbs since 2018.

Tenants can benefit too, as it can help reduce their electricity bills. The Energy Saving Trust reports that replacing every bulb in the house with an LED will save the average household around £40 per year on bills.

2. Installing a smart meter

This can be also help, particularly when in combination with a learning thermostat. Tenants will need to be proactive in adjusting their behaviour based on the visibility that the smart meter data provides.

3. Low-flow shower heads

These aerate the water that comes out, giving the feel of a normal shower with normal pressure, but only using half as much water. They are inexpensive and easy to swap for regular shower heads.

4. Dual flush toilet convertors

These are also an inexpensive option and can save a significant amount of water when flushing. They can be awkward to install, but are worth the effort in environmental terms and remove the need to buy a new, dual-flush toilet.

5. Ensure that tenants have sufficient recycling facilities

Provide a number of bins appropriate to the property’s number of occupants. This can promote the proper disposal of waste and help to create an environment free from overflowing bins. Landlords simply need to contact their local authority to ensure that the appropriate recycling bins and containers are provided.

6. Go paperless

Everything from tenancy agreements to inventories can be completed online. Doing so can save time as well as trees.

Jonathan Daines concludes: “These are all small steps, but they quickly add up, ensuring that landlords can ‘do their bit’ when it comes to working towards a greener world. Those looking to go the extra mile can consider green leases too, where environmental obligations between the landlord and tenant become contractual, encouraging both parties to do what they can to make the property more sustainable.”