As a tenant, you can still receive energy assistance and make some no- and low-cost energy changes on your own. Below are tips for saving energy and information on energy programs for renters. For help understanding your options or talking to your landlord, contact your local Community Energy Advisor.

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Want to save energy?

DIY actions

There are many no-cost and low-cost opportunities to save energy without making any major changes to your space. For example, simple actions such as replacing inefficient light bulbs with LEDs — which are 90% more energy efficient than past incandescent light bulbs — using a programmable thermostat, using an induction cooktop, and getting the correctly sized window air conditioner can reduce your monthly energy bills. For quick and easy-to-do options, check out this DIY energy efficiency video.

Energy-efficient upgrades often reduce costs for both occupants and property owners, making them a smart investment for everyone. For help talking to your landlord or property manager or owner, scroll down to our help with landlords section [jump to link], visit NYSERDA’s talking points webpage or contact your local Community Energy Advisor. 

For a comprehensive list of ways to reduce energy use in your condo or apartment, visit NYSERDA’s website or energy.gov, or read this resource from Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. Visit our ReWire America trusted partner website to check out renter opportunities. Other DIY methods are listed on our Smart Energy Choices website.

Assistance programs for renter energy savings

  • State residential home energy assessment programs (for 1-4 unit eligible homes): Looks at where your home is losing energy; this is a learning opportunity and is not related to code enforcement.

    • Energy assessments are meant to identify opportunities to make upgrades to a home. You can enjoy the benefits of lower energy bills and/or increased comfort by applying as the tenant(s) and asking your landlord to allow you to take part in eligible programs via a simple rental property services agreement. Learn more by visiting NYSERDA’s frequently asked questions.

  • EmPower+: Income-eligible renters of 1-4 unit(s) homes can access project incentives under EmPower+. For a project to receive major energy efficiency improvements, rental properties must have approval from the landlord/building owner for work to proceed. If at least half of the units are income eligible, it can qualify the whole building.

    • More information on benefits for rental applicants is available on NYSERDA’s EmPower+ for renters website. Learn more about EmPower+ for single family homes on our incentives page. Apply online or with your local Community Energy Advisor.

    • Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program (HEAR)

      • In 2024, the maximum award amount for the EmPower+ program expanded thanks to the new IRA-funded Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program, better known as HEAR. 

      • The program can help eligible renters in 1-4-unit buildings receive up to $14,000 more assistance than they historically would through EmPower+, meaning you can now receive a maximum of $24,000. This aid is applied to the cost of your project before you receive your out-of-pocket bill. If you live in a building with more than 4 units, please refer to our Multifamily page. 

      • Right now, you’re only eligible to receive HEAR funding if you make at or below 80% of the State/Area Median Income.

      • You can receive this assistance by applying for EmPower+ on NYSERDA’s website.

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): A federal program that provides additional energy improvements to income-eligible households. Renters can participate with landlord approval; the landlord may be required to pay a portion of the cost. Find WAP resources here. If you have participated in WAP in the past, you may be eligible for EmPower+.

  • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): A federal program that can help lower the costs for renters to make energy-saving improvements to their homes.

    • IRA tax credits are available for certain improvements, and credits aren’t available if the improvements are made to homes not used as a residence by the taxpayer. However, if a taxpayer is renting a home as their principal residence and makes eligible improvements, a tax credit may be available to that tenant.

    • Consult a tax professional to verify, as we are not tax professionals and not all credits can be claimed as a renter.

    • More information on IRA rebates expected to be available Summer and Fall 2024 for all income will be published soon.

  • HEAP: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance to heat and cool homes.

    • HEAP Regular Benefit helps with heating expenses for income-eligible homeowners and renters. Incentives are also available to those with heat included in their rent.

    • HEAP Emergency Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.

    • HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit is for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

  • NYSEG’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP): If your HEAP grant was applied to your active NYSEG account, an EAP monthly bill credit is automatically applied to your NYSEG bill. The credit will display as a line item under your electricity and/or natural gas delivery charges on your NYSEG bill. 

  • Sustainable Finger Lakes Clean Energy & Equity Pilot (Tompkins County only): Tompkins County 1-4 unit rental buildings may be eligible for additional funding to install heat pumps.

Municipal and Rural Electric Coop utility customers

NYSERDA EmPower+ programs are now available to you! See above for other applicable programs.

There are several programs that municipal electric customers have access to, which are explained on our Municipal Electric page. We encourage residents to contact a Community Energy Advisor for more information and help navigating these programs. 

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Need help talking to your landlord?

Electrification — or switching from appliances that run on natural gas, oil, propane, and other fossil fuels to better alternatives that run on electricity — can greatly reduce your energy bills. But substantial changes to energy technologies need landlord permission to perform. 

Having that conversation can be difficult. A good time to start that conversation is when an inefficient appliance like an old gas-powered stove is failing or needs repair (don’t wait until it’s dead, since that will put time pressure on your landlord).

Landlords tend to respond best when you appeal to their priorities regarding their properties. Here are some angles you can take:

  • Electrification makes buildings cheaper to operate. 

  • Electrification raises a building’s value. 

  • Electrification is better for the planet. 

  • Electrification protects your health. 

  • Electrification aids tenant retention and attracts new tenants.

For a more comprehensive guide to talking to your landlord, Rewiring America is a great resource. Visit the link for more talking points and a sample email to start conversations. NYSERDA also has a webpage breaking down assistance programs to discuss with your landlord. And this resource [pdf] from Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships breaks down common questions to ask your landlord to better inform your approach. Your local Community Energy Advisors are here to help throughout the process.

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Interested in an electric vehicle, plug in hybrid, or hybrid?

Switching to an electric vehicle, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid can save energy and money without needing landlord involvement. There are several assistance programs available to put an EV within your reach. Learn more about your options on our EV page. Rewiring America also has comprehensive information on EV opportunities for renters.

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Interested in accessible solar?

Switching to solar power for your electricity needs can significantly reduce your energy bills. There are two programs to help tenants access solar energy:

  • Solar for All: utility bill assistance program

    • Save on your monthly electricity bill — up to $180 per year — with no upfront costs or installation hassle. 

    • You can sign up for Solar for All under the following utilities:

      • Central Hudson

      • National Grid (Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties only)

      • NYSEG (Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Sullivan counties only)

      • Orange & Rockland

  • You may be eligible to join if you:

    • Rent or own your home

    • Are a veteran receiving disability benefits

    • Are on a fixed income

    • Earn a minimum wage

    • Participate in HEAP, SNAP, TANF, or other electric bill assistance programs

  • For questions or to request a paper application, email solarforall@nyserda.ny.gov or call 866-NYSERDA. Learn more on NYSERDA’s Solar for All website or on our Solar for All page.

  • Community Subscription Solar: Community solar is installed at an off-site location. You can subscribe, with no extra cost, to the community solar project and receive credits on your regular electric bill for the clean energy produced. 

    • You will keep your current electric utility and start seeing a credit on your monthly bill based on how much energy is generated by your community solar project.

    • Any unused credits will roll over month to month.

    • This is not an energy supply company; you will never be paying more to participate.

    • If you move within your utility territory, you can bring it with you.

    • Find your local Community Solar project on NYSERDA’s directory. To learn more about Community Solar, visit NYSERDA’s Community Solar for Home website, Rewiring America, or our Community Solar page.

  • Community Solar Purchase: As with Community Subscription Solar, Community Solar Purchases uses off-site community solar projects. While less common than subscription plans, some community solar projects offer purchase plans that allow you to own a portion of a community solar project. While ownership is a long-term commitment, it can result in greater savings potential overtime and allow you to take advantage of tax credits.

    • To learn more about Community Solar Purchase, visit NYSERDA’s website. Find a qualified solar project.

    • If you move within your utility territory, you can bring it with you.

    • A tax credit to those eligible may be available.