You’ve probably heard that eco-friendly upgrades are all the rage. But if you're anything like most landlords, your first thought might be, "Sounds expensive." And, honestly? Fair enough. The idea of ripping out perfectly good fixtures for greener ones can feel a bit... forced.
But let’s take a breath here.
What if going green wasn’t just a guilt trip or a trend to appease the yoga-and-compost crowd? What if it actually made your rental stand out in a very real, very Bothell kind of way?
Because here’s the truth: tenants care. Not all of them, of course. But the ones you want, the ones who treat your property like a home, pay on time, and don’t call about a flickering lightbulb at 11 p.m., they notice the little things. The smart thermostat. The energy-efficient washer. Even the low-flow toilet.
Why Green Upgrades Matter More Than You Think
Let’s talk numbers for a second.
According to a 2022 report from the National Multifamily Housing Council and Kingsley Associates, 71% of renters said energy efficiency was “very important” in choosing where to live. That’s not a niche preference. That’s most people.
And energy-efficient homes typically save tenants 5–30% on utility bills, depending on the upgrades. That’s a value-add they’ll brag about to friends. Or at least silently appreciate while sipping their sustainably sourced oat milk.
Small Swaps. Big Impact.
You don’t have to turn your Bothell rental into a futuristic eco-pod overnight. No one’s asking you to install solar panels and start hand-weaving hemp curtains.
Start small:
LED bulbs. They last longer, use less energy, and don't flicker like haunted-house lighting.
Smart thermostats. Think Nest or Ecobee. Tenants love them. You might love them too once you see the reviews.5
Low-flow showerheads and toilets. Less water, lower bills, same rinse-and-repeat.
Energy Star appliances. Yes, they cost a bit more upfront. But they pay for themselves, and then some.
And if you're working with a property manager, they can handle scheduling these upgrades. Some even have partnerships with contractors to get better deals.
Think Long-Term
Eco-friendly means durability. And low maintenance.
Bamboo floors, for example, are surprisingly tough. Metal roofs last forever (okay, not literally, but 40+ years is close enough). Native plants in landscaping require less water, less work, and still look great. Especially when your neighbor's thirsty Kentucky Bluegrass turns sad and yellow in July.
And yes, some green upgrades might bump up your property value. Not overnight. But over time? Definitely. Especially if you’re planning to refinance or sell.
What Renters Actually Want
We mentioned tenants care. But let’s get specific.
They want comfort. Convenience. Lower bills. A place they can feel good about living in.
Maybe your tenant doesn’t care about carbon footprints. But they do care that the apartment isn’t sweltering in summer and freezing in winter. They care that their utility bills don’t feel like a second rent payment.
Property Managers Know the Drill
Good property managers won’t just nod and smile when you mention green upgrades. They’ll help you pick the ones that make sense for your property and your budget.
Maybe you don’t need to replace the whole HVAC system. Maybe you just need to seal up a few drafty windows and switch out that ancient fridge.
And a professional property manager (like our team at PMI Equitas) knows what Bothell renters are actually asking about. What’s trendy, sure, but also what’s practical. We'll also help you promote those upgrades in your listings. Because “energy-efficient” is a hook, not just a feature.;
Final Thought: It’s Not About Being Perfect
Going green can feel overwhelming. Like you’re either saving the planet or you're not. But that’s not how this works.
This is about progress. Not perfection.
You don’t have to be an environmental warrior. You just have to be a landlord who gets it. Who’s willing to make smart choices that benefit both you and your tenants.
And honestly? That’s pretty refreshing.
If you’re curious where to start, or just want someone else to handle the heavy lifting, PMI Equitas has been around the Bothell block a few times. We are definitely worth a call.
