Upgrades like air sealing and insulation can reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants, moisture, mold, and mildew. Replacing methane gas-burning appliances with electric models cuts down on indoor air pollutants linked to respiratory issues for cleaner, safer air.
Green Rental Housing
Looking for help?
For landlords, the Landlord Resource Hub offers up to $20,000+ in financial assistance, plus free tools and guidance to meet Green Rental Housing requirements.
If you’re a renter, check out our tips to lower your energy bills now.
Green Rental Housing is better for your health and comfort, our environment, and your wallet – whether you’re a renter or a landlord
- Renters: Enjoy a higher quality of life and lower utility bills, with healthier indoor air and more comfortable room temperatures.
- Landlords: Stay competitive and save money with properties that are easier to maintain and more desirable. You can get extensive rebates and tax credits, simplifying upgrades and future-proofing your investments.
- Everyone: Help us all achieve A2ZERO, our community’s plan to equitably reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
How to Comply
To stay compliant with the Green Rental Housing Ordinance, landlords must do one of the following before their next rental inspection (starting with inspections on Jan. 6, 2026):
Option A – Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Score
- Get a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score from a certified assessor.
- Score 110 or below to pass (lower = better).
- If your unit meets this score, it’s compliant for life – no further upgrades needed under the ordinance.
Option B – Complete the Green Rental Housing Checklist
- Score 70+ points (out of 300) for inspections from Jan. 6, 2026 to Jul. 5, 2028.
- For inspections after Jul. 5, 2028, score 110+ points (out of 300).
- You have flexibility to choose which improvements to implement – for example, adding installation, installing efficient heating and cooling, or offering renter education programs.
Both pathways are part of the City’s existing rental inspection program, following normal inspection procedures and schedules. Many properties may already meet these standards with minor or no adjustments.
Why Green Rental Housing Matters
- About 55% of Ann Arbor’s residents are renters. Many rental units are well-maintained, comfortable, and energy-efficient. But some older rental units were built before modern building codes and haven’t been updated.
- Renters in inefficient homes often face higher energy bills, drafty or uncomfortable rooms, and even health issues from emissions, moisture, and mold.
- The Green Rental Housing Ordinance sets minimum standards and helps landlords achieve them – so tenants have a place not just to live, but to thrive as we work together toward A2ZERO, community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030.
Benefits of Green Rental Housing
Green Rental Housing isn’t just another regulation – it’s about tangible improvements in daily life and long-term savings:
Well-insulated, energy-efficient units maintain consistent, comfortable temperatures year-round – and boost resilience during power outages and winter storms. They avoid drafts and cold spots in winter and overheating in summer. Stable temperatures, lower energy bills, and cleaner air decrease stress – and support better physical and mental health.
Efficient units use less energy, saving money 24/7. Improvements like air sealing and insulation keep heated or cooled air where it belongs: inside the home. And upgraded appliances like heat pumps or other ENERGY STAR devices also use less power – minimizing monthly utility costs even if electric or gas rates rise.
Buildings produce nearly 70% of Ann Arbor’s greenhouse gas emissions, and boosting rental efficiency is a big opportunity to cut pollution and bring us closer to A2ZERO by 2030.
Rental units that are healthy, comfortable, and efficient tend to see more satisfied tenants who are more likely to stay longer and leave good online reviews.
Check Out These Time- and Money-Saving Resources:
Landlord Resources
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Renter Resources
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Learn More About Green Rental Housing
Key Documents and Links
- Green Rental Housing FAQ: Our in-depth guide is updated regularly and answers common concerns from landlords and tenants. (Topics include technical standards, cost questions, financial and technical assistance, compliance timelines, and more.)
- The Green Rental Housing Ordinance Text was passed by the City Council on June 16, 2025.
- Program Regulations include rules and definitions for implementing the ordinance.
- Green Rental Housing Checklist includes efficiency measures and actions that help landlords achieve compliance, with instructions.
- Checklist Methodology covers how point values were determined (including modeled emissions or energy reductions, where applicable).
For a one-stop guide to rebates, funding, compliance, and planning tools, visit the Landlord Resource Hub.
Questions and Contact Info
We’ve curated the best of hundreds of hours of discussions with landlords and tenants and compiled them in our regularly updated Green Rental Housing FAQ – it’s a great first stop.
If you still need more information or want to share your feedback, please reach out to: GreenRentalHousing@a2gov.org.