Landlords - Free Insulation
Summary: landlord HEA
Description
LANDLORDS: Want to improve your property at no-cost?
The City of Framingham and the Town of Natick have a partnership with Mass Save to bring assistance to navigating the Mass Save energy efficiency programs. Sign up online or call (508) 714-7368 to reach an energy advocate. Service is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
The Mass Save program has subsidies to help landlords with 1-4 unit buildings improve their property with energy efficient upgrades, such as offering no-cost air sealing top make rental units more comfortable. Mass Save will take a look at your 1-4 unit building and determine which type of insulation to provide at 70 - 100% off the cost.
Why are these services and insulation free? Eversource deducts a small amount from your electricity bill, and your tenants' electric bills, each month that funds the Mass Save program to promote energy efficiency. It makes sense to make sure you and your tenants receive the benefits of this program that you have paid towards.
See the DEEP DIVE tab at the top for FAQ and more information. You can learn more details directly from the Mass Save website here: https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/energy-assessments/landlords-with-1-4-unit-properties
Deep Dive
Q: Who is eligible for a Home Energy Assessment?
A: LANDLORDS of 1-4 units are eligible. Landlords for 5+ unit buildings should contact the Mass Save multifamily program.
Q: Why should I do a home energy assessment when my tenants pay the bills?
A: You can improve your property at little to no cost.
A: You may make your tenants more comfortable, perhaps making them want to stay longer.
A: You will decrease your risk of tenants’ being late or not paying the rent if you insulate your building because their bills will be lower.
A: You are considering replacing heating or air conditioning equipment or think it is nearing the end of its useful life. You will need a home energy assessment to get the best incentives.
A: You are considering installing air conditioning.
Image Credit: "Supporting renters, landlords during COVID-19" by BC Gov Photos is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Steps to Take
The City of Framingham and the Town of Natick have a partnership with Mass Save to bring assistance to navigating the Mass Save energy efficiency programs. Sign up online or call (508) 714-7368 to reach an energy advocate. Service is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Notify your tenants that you will be conducting a Home Energy Assessment, you need their permission to walk through their unit with the vendor and that you are looking for ways to help them save on their utility bills.
Home Energy Assessment
- You will need access to all areas of the property: units, attic, basement and attic. You therefore need to get permission from all the residents to walk through their units. Materials in languages other than English are available.
- During the home energy assessment online, you will likely be asked to show:
- the heating and cooling systems
- the attic, exterior walls and basement to determine if any areas need insulation
- lights and thermostats - to see what to mail to you at no-cost (including LED light bulbs, smart thermostats and smart powerstrips.)
- At then end of the home energy assessment, you will receive recommended actions for property improvements that can be done at a significant discount or even for free.
- You will then schedule a tentative date for any recommended insulation. These in-home improvements will only be completed upon your approval and once the state, the Mass Save program, and the vendor are confident that they can do the work safely.