Reducing Energy Costs in Rental Housing

This research brief describes the direct and indirect energy cost burdens that renters face, and the disproportionate share of both total housing outlays and household income that lower-income tenants pay for energy. The analysis also looks at differences in energy costs and use between renters and homeowners living in various types of housing, as well as geographic variations in energy costs. The paper then examines the “split-incentive” problem in the landlord-tenant relationship and outlines strategies to overcome this barrier to efficiency and affordability.