Rental homes are typically less energy-efficient than owner-occupied ones, leaving many renters with high energy burdens. This guide presents a series of actions that local governments can take to reduce energy use in rental properties, preserve or increase housing affordability, and build the capacity of local communities to design, implement, and evaluate equitable policies.

We show how local governments can use rental housing market analysis and community engagement to identify equitable rental energy efficiency policy and program options. We also demonstrate the importance of formalizing and maintaining partnerships with local stakeholders to effectively implement multiple rental efficiency initiatives. ACEEE, in partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), developed this guide based on new independent case study research and discussions with a peer-to-peer USDN learning group of local governments.

Continue reading and download the report on ACEEE.org.