LANDLORD SOLUTIONS

As a landlord, there are many energy improvements you can make to your income property that will help increase the value of your property, lower energy costs, and reduce apartment turnovers.

Landlords can access two NYSERDA programs for their rental units:

  • If you own and occupy a 1-4 unit multifamily home, your rental units can be upgraded through the EmPower+ program.

  • If the property is non-owner occupied, the EmPower+ program can also assist. Improvements can be low to no cost if your tenants are income eligible (tenants who are HEAP eligible or who earn less than 60% of the State median income.) View the EmPower+ income eligibility guidelines to learn more.

NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program provides upgrades, including replacing inefficient refrigerators, adding more energy-efficient lighting, adding air sealing to reduce drafts, and adding insulation to your walls or attic.

Benefits of energy upgrades

While your tenants enjoy a more comfortable living space and lower energy bills, you can:

  • Save Money. Energy upgrades will lower utility bills with little to no upfront capital investment.

  • Manage more attractive rental units. Lower-cost utilities will make the units more attractive and good tenants will be more likely to stay (with fewer turnovers and vacancies). Lower utility bills reduce financial burdens on tenants, making it easier to pay rent on time.

  • Increase property values. Energy-efficient buildings are more valuable, and you can help reduce residential carbon emissions to reach the State’s decarbonization goals.

No-cost solutions

The services are free to you and your tenants. No lien is placed on your property, and you can sell the home at any time. The EmPower+ energy auditors and installers are not code inspectors. The goal of the program is to help you and your tenant save money by making your property more energy efficient through energy upgrades. View the Rental Property Energy Efficiency Services Agreement.

Encourage eligible tenants to apply for HEAP and the EmPower+ program. Then get started with an Energy Audit and learn the priority improvements to make your property more energy efficient.

Talk to an Energy Advisor

We are here to help you navigate the process. To learn more about the opportunities you qualify for and your financial options, talk to an Energy Advisor by completing this form.