Can It Be More Challenging To Live In A Sustainable Way If You’re Renting?
If you own your own property, it isn’t too difficult to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. However, if you’re renting a property, it can be more challenging to live in a sustainable way. Constraints in your tenancy agreement, concerns about losing your deposit, and worries about annoying your landlord are often perceived as obstacles.
However, they needn’t prevent you from enjoying green living if sustainability matters to you. The team at Properly is increasingly working with tenants who are keen to adopt a more eco-conscious way of living, so here are our top tips for renting sustainably.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Location is always important when choosing somewhere to live, but when you’re looking to rent a property, it’s best to focus your search on areas that are close to transport links, footpaths, and cycle routes which means you won’t need a car.
Rent, Recycle, And Reuse
Most people these days now recycle glass and paper, but if you’re committed to the eco-friendly lifestyle, there are some much larger items that you can recycle too. If you’re moving out of an unfurnished property into a furnished one, consider donating your surplus furnishings to a charity. Or, if you’re relocating from a furnished to an unfurnished home, consider buying second-hand or renting your furnishings.
Make Green Energy Choices
Not every tenant has the responsibility of paying for their energy bills, but if you’ll be required to choose a supplier, you can opt for one that caters to eco-conscious users, offering energy that comes from carbon-neutral and renewable sources.
Save Water
Reducing your water wastage is still possible if you’re a tenant. There are a lot of tools that you can acquire (sometimes for free) that can help you reduce the amount of water you use, and that won’t cause you to lose your deposit. Water-saving shower heads and devices that can be put inside the toilet cistern to reduce the flush volume are just two options that you can adopt as a tenant.
Growing Your Own
Although not every tenant will have the luxury of having a garden, there are still ways that you can cultivate your own foodstuffs. Even if you rent a studio or a small apartment, you can set up a windowsill herb garden that will help you eliminate unnecessary packaging. If you’re fortunate enough to have garden access in your tenancy, you may be able to plant a vegetable bed or fruit trees, although you should always discuss any plans with the landlord first.
Many landlords will be happy to let you cultivate whatever you like in the garden as long as you keep it in good condition. However, even if they’re unwilling to allow you to make significant changes outdoors, you can still invest in some large pots that you can take with you when you move on.
More landlords in London are beginning to recognise that tenants are keen to live in eco-friendly properties, and are taking steps to make their rental homes greener.
If you’re looking for a sustainable property to rent, get in touch with the Properly team now at 0207 459 4400 or at mariel@properly.space.
