Safety in a Failing Economy

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Hollylane

Great post!

As an employee at a utility company, I'd like to see more renters taking the initiative to investigate before they rent. You can call your utility to check average usage for a potential rental.

If more renters sought out energy efficient rentals, there might be more incentive for slum lords to make some changes to their properties.

I talk to people every day that have electric bills $200 to $300 on average for a rental property. Because they didn't do the research, they are generally stuck living in this situation. When you have bills this high, some find that they have a hard time coming up with money to buy out of a lease, or even move when the lease is over.

As a home owner in Oregon, I have had Energy Trust of Oregon come out for a free home energy audit to help me make energy efficient changes. They also offered incentives for upgrades. I highly recommend having a home energy audit to all of my customers.

I'll never forget moving to Rochester NY and renting a cute off season house on the lake. Being a florida girl I had no idea what heat cost were. It blew my mind and my budget. I actually had to break the lease or freeze.

My electric bills here are easily 300.00 a month and in winter higher. But I also operate the dog boarding business and I really work at keeping my electric bill down. I honestly don't know how some families manage.

Its a great idea tho to call the power companies and find out what programs are available to you even if you rent.