Attic Insulation on Rental - Install or not?

[Bret Weigel]

Hi all, I had some tenants move in last month to a 3/2 SFR (I just closed on the property a month prior) and I really like them a lot. Good people. Anyways, the first day in, we realized the hot water heater needed replacing. The second day in, they realized that the house was not cooling to the temperature they had the thermostat set at (mind you we're experiencing a 100+ degree heat wave this summer and summers here are always hot); however, the house felt cool and the HVAC folks checked the unit and everything was running accordingly.
Long story short, I told them that I'd look at insulation in the attic as a possible solution. I received a quote and was wondering, since the equipment itself works fine, and adding the insulation will reduce their utility bills by 15-18%/month, does it make sense to ask them what they'd like to do (i.e. ask for some help in the bill) since it's not absolutely necessary to the house? Or what is my approach? 

Thank you. 

[Marcia Maynard]

It's a good investment to make sure all of your properties have sufficient insulation and are weatherized appropriately, regardless of who lives there. When we make improvements to our units, it becomes another selling point. Very few prospective tenants ask in advance about how well insulated a building is, but if there is a deficiency, they will let you know.

When we get a heat wave, I encourage tenants to block as much sun coming through south facing windows as they can. Good trees can be strategically planted to provide beneficial shade too.

Step up and do for the property what you would do for your own home to make it comfortable. Don't look to charging the tenants for this either. Sometimes the local utility district will offer incentives that will bring you some savings. It's a business expense that will pay you back many times over. Doing this now will really win your tenants over and be great for the relationship. Good start!