Drought Education: Water Conservation Tips for Landlords

We want to share some basic water conservation tips with landlords in California, who may be wondering how the current water shortage is impacting rental properties. As you know, we’re in a drought, so it’s very important to conserve water. These are some simple tips that will make a difference.

Update Fixtures
It’s very easy to update your fixtures to conserve water. Simply installing low-flow shower heads and/or low-flow toilets in your rental unit can save water. Some Bay Area utility companies even offer incentives to make these changes so it’s wise to be aware of local programs that can help save you money.

Rethink Your Landscaping
There are many ways to save water in the garden. You can decrease landscaping irrigation by 25 percent, or replace water thirsty plants with drought tolerant alternatives. Other helpful measures include adding mulch to plant beds to slow evaporation, installing barrels to collect rain from downspouts, watering in the evening when it’s cooler, or even installing an artificial lawn.

Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers now are designed to have much more efficient cycles. It can be worth the investment to update older models to conserve water.

Educating Tenants
Educating tenants so they know how to conserve water is also very important. Don’t assume they know what it takes to be water-wise. Your tenants should know why saving water is important so they are motivated to make an effort. Many water companies like EBMUD offer free and helpful tips, so make them aware of these handy resources.

California will likely be challenged by drought a long while. If you have any questions about what you can do to further conserve water at your rental property, MSB Property Management at 1-510-649-3380.