How to Talk to Your Landlord About No Cost Weatherization Upgrades

Many renters in Maryland live in older homes that are drafty, hard to heat or cool, and expensive to maintain. The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) offers no-cost weatherization assistance for renters that can help make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This program is open to both homeowners as well as renters living in single-family homes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore, and beyond.

If you are a renter, you can take the lead in starting the process, but your landlord will need to participate. Here’s some additional information before you get started.

Why Weatherization Matters

Weatherization can make a real difference in your home:

• Helps lower monthly heating and cooling bills
• Makes indoor temperatures more comfortable year-round
• Improves indoor air quality and safety

On average, homes weatherized through CAC save about $372 per year in energy costs!

What’s Included in CAC’s Weatherization Services?

Weatherization upgrades may include:

• Insulation and air sealing
• Heating and cooling system repair or replacement
• Water heater repair or replacement
• LED lighting upgrades
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• New bathroom exhaust fan installation

These services are provided by CAC-approved contractors at no cost to income-eligible households! You can learn more about our income guidelines here.

How Renters Can Start the Weatherization Process

Renters living in single-family homes in Maryland can apply for weatherization assistance through CAC. The process is simple and designed to involve both you and your landlord:

1. Start your application online through CAC’s weatherization intake form.
2. CAC sends packets to both you and your landlord.
3. Both packets are returned to CAC, including the landlord’s permission for the home energy audit.
4. CAC schedules the audit and coordinates upgrades with trusted contractors.
5. A final inspection ensures the work is complete and effective.

Talking to Your Landlord About Weatherization

We know it’s not always easy to bring up home improvements with a landlord, but this program makes the conversation easier. Here’s how you can prepare and what to say.

Before You Talk:

1. Visit CAC’s Weatherization Program page to learn the basics.
2. Gather information: CAC has helped thousands of Maryland homes, and these services are provided at no cost to tenants, and often no cost to the landlord.
3. Print or email the landlord information packet when you receive it from CAC.

Focus on Shared Benefits:

When talking to your landlord, highlight how weatherization can help both of you:

• Lowers energy bills for the tenant.
• Improves comfort—fewer drafts, more stable temperatures.
• Increases property value through modern energy-efficient upgrades.
• A hassle-free process—CAC handles all the work through licensed contractors.

What You Can Say:

“I found a program through the Community Action Council of Howard County that offers no-cost weatherization upgrades for renters. It helps reduce energy bills, improves comfort, and even adds value to the property. Can I send you the information packet?”

Keep your tone polite and practical. Most landlords would appreciate improvements to their property that are either no or low cost and make their property more attractive to future renters.

No-Cost Weatherization Assistance for Maryland

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, CAC offers no-cost weatherization services to income-qualified households throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore, and more. We help families upgrade their homes for better comfort, safety, and savings. (For example, most households that qualify save around $283 a year on energy bills!)

What’s included?

Our weatherization work can include:

• Air sealing and insulation
• Heating and cooling system repair or replacement
• Water heater repair or replacement
• LED lighting
• Smoke and CO detectors

What’s not included?

Our weatherization program does not cover mold testing or removal. If you have mold already, you may need professional help before we can weatherize your home.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re a renter and want to see if your home qualifies, start with CAC’s simple intake form.