Landlords

Proper insulation and air sealing help keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing energy bills and improving comfort for tenants. Weatherization upgrades can also reduce maintenance issues and enhance the overall value of your rental properties.

Green Newton has partnered with HomeWorks Energy,a home performance contractor to offer no-cost, no-commitment Mass Save assessments and weatherization services for 1–4 unit buildings, though property owners can also choose any Mass Save-approved provider. The Mass Save program will pay up to 100% of the cost for insulation and air sealing in rental units, making it a cost-effective way to save energy and improve comfort. As a landlord, you can request a Whole Building Assessment, after requesting permission from your tenants for the Mass Save specialist to walk through their units.

Owners or authorized representatives of multifamily buildings with five or more units can access the Mass Save Multifamily Program, which offers no-cost energy assessments and up to 75-100% coverage for insulation and air sealing improvements. After a no-cost site assessment, the vendor, RISE Engineering coordinates installation with approved contractors. Larger properties and commercial buildings may also qualify for custom energy-saving measures and barrier remediation incentives for issues like knob-and-tube wiring, mold, or vermiculite. These upgrades can reduce operating costs, improve building performance, and make properties more attractive to tenants—all with limited or no upfront investment.

Upgrading to an air-source heat pump (ASHP) offers major benefits for both landlords and tenants by improving comfort year-round and potentially lowering energy costs. Heat pumps provide efficient heating in winter—even in sub-zero temperatures—and quiet, high-quality air conditioning in summer that reduces humidity and wear on the building. For tenants, this means more consistent comfort and better indoor air quality. For landlords, it means a more attractive property and fewer maintenance issues

Financial incentives make the upgrade even more affordable. Through Mass Save, landlords can receive rebates of $3,000 per ton (up to $10,000) for whole-home ASHP systems and $1,250 per ton (up to $10,000) for partial-home systems. Each individual housing unit with its own utility account qualifies separately, meaning multi-unit buildings may be eligible for multiple rebates. In some cases, if a tenant has low or moderate income and currently uses oil, propane, or electric resistance heat, Mass Save covers up to 100% of the installation cost.

For larger multifamily and commercial properties, heat pump incentives are available through the Mass Save Multifamily Program, which provides customized rebates and technical support tailored to each building’s needs. Depending on the property size, heating system type, and existing fuel source, landlords may receive up to $3,500/ton​ when replacing oil, propane, gas and EBB heating systems​ to install air-source or variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump systems. The program begins with a no-cost energy assessment to determine system design and eligibility, followed by coordination with approved contractors to manage installation and rebate processing. In some cases, incentives may cover a significant portion—or even the full cost—of the upgrade when combined with additional utility or state programs. These projects not only lower long-term operating costs but also align with Newton’s clean energy goals and improve property marketability through enhanced comfort and efficiency.

Installing solar panels can be a smart, cost-effective investment for landlords—reducing electricity costs, improving property value, and appealing to eco-conscious tenants. In Massachusetts, solar systems typically pay for themselves within 6–10 years, after which they can produce nearly free electricity for 20–30 years, significantly lowering utility bills for both landlords and tenants. A property with lower energy costs and visible sustainability features can attract and retain tenants, while also contributing to a cleaner, more resilient electric grid.

Solar panels are most effective on roofs with strong sunlight exposure (ideally less than ten years old). Landlords can check a property’s solar potential using Google’s Project Sunroof tool. Financial incentives vary based on property type and ownership. Owner-occupants who rent other units can claim a 15% Massachusetts tax credit (up to $1,000) and a 30% federal tax credit for systems installed by December 31, 2025, both of which can dramatically reduce upfront costs. Owners of affordable housing may qualify for the state’s Solar for All program, depending on current funding and legal developments.

For landlords who prefer not to own the panels directly, leasing or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow a third-party company to install and maintain the system, while the property owner benefits from lower electricity rates without upfront costs. Recent federal legislation extended the 30% commercial solar tax credit through mid-2026, making these arrangements more financially attractive.

For owners who install and retain ownership of panels, two additional incentives apply: SMART solar payments—which pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced (with larger payments expected under the new SMART 3.0 program launching in October 2025)—and net metering, which provides credits on electricity bills for excess solar generation. These credits can even be distributed among multiple accounts within the same load zone, allowing landlords to offset energy costs for multiple units.

With many switching to electric vehicles, access to home/business charging is quickly becoming an essential amenity. Installing EV chargers can help attract and retain tenants while supporting sustainability goals and upcoming infrastructure requirements.

MassEVIP’s Public Access Charging Program offers grants to property owners or managers of parking lots intended for public use (non-residential) in Massachusetts to install Level 1 or Level 2 EV chargers. The grant may cover up to 80% of equipment and installation costs (or 100% for government‐owned properties), with a cap of $50,000 per street address.  Learn more about MassEVIP Public Access Charging (PAC) Program Requirements and Apply for MassEVIP Public Access Charging Incentives.

Under the current federal rule (effective 2023–2032), For businesses, nonprofits, or tax-exempt entities, can claim a tax credit typically 6% of the cost (capped at $100,000 per item), but may increase to 30% if prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements are met. The property must be new (original use begins with taxpayer), placed in service in the tax year, and meet the location (census tract) eligibility.
Learn more:  Instructions for Form 8911 and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit.

Appliances play a major role in a building’s overall energy and water use. Choosing efficient, properly sized, and well-maintained models can lower operating costs, reduce maintenance issues, and provide a more comfortable experience for tenants.

Water heating can account for 20–30% of a building’s total energy use, so upgrading offers major savings. Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) can cut energy costs by 50% or more, and Mass Save offers rebates of $750–$1,500 toward installation.

Old refrigerators can waste over $100 per month in electricity. Replacing units over ten years old with ENERGY STAR–certified models—especially smaller, top-freezer designs—can drastically reduce energy costs while appealing to tenants who value efficiency. Mass Save also provides rebates for recycling old fridges, freezers, and dehumidifiers.

Modern ENERGY STAR dishwashers save an average of 5,800 gallons of water over their lifetime, lowering both water and energy bills. New models clean effectively while using smart soil-sensing technology, making them a convenient and sustainable upgrade for rental properties.

Switching from gas or propane to induction stoves improves safety, air quality, and energy efficiency—cutting greenhouse gas emissions by about two-thirds compared to gas. Tenants enjoy faster, more precise cooking and easier cleanup, while landlords can claim a $500 Mass Save rebate for replacing gas or propane stoves with induction models.

ENERGY STAR washers use about 30–50% less water and energy, saving on both utility bills and wear on plumbing systems, with a $150 Mass Save rebate available. Heat pump dryers use 30–60% less energy, don’t require venting, and reduce heating and cooling losses—cutting costs while keeping laundry rooms comfortable, with an additional $50 rebate from Mass Save.

Landlords in Newton have access to a range of public and private financing options to support electrification, energy-efficiency, and building modernization projects. Through Mass Save, landlords of residential properties (1–20 units) can receive no-cost energy assessments, rebates covering up to 100% of weatherization costs, and significant incentives for installing heat pumps and other high-efficiency systems. The Mass Save 0% HEAT Loan offers interest-free financing (typically up to $25,000), while the Multi-Family Program and LEAN Multifamily Program provide deeper incentives for larger or affordable properties. Commercial property owners can also explore Commercial PACE financing through MassDevelopment, which enables long-term, property-tax-based repayment for clean energy upgrades.

For private financing, local and regional lenders such as community banks, credit unions, and specialty financing firms offer green loans and commercial improvement loans to support HVAC, insulation, and renewable energy projects. Programs like MassDevelopment’s Green Finance and MHP’s Green and Healthy Housing initiatives connect building owners to low-interest or performance-based loans. Private lenders—including traditional commercial banks and firms like Raymond C. Green Companies—can also provide short-term or bridge funding for retrofit and renovation projects, often backed by property collateral.

Other financing routes include SBA 504 loans for owner-occupied business buildings, MassHousing’s Energy Saver Loan for small rental properties, and federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, which can offset up to 30% of eligible electrification project costs and are available until 31 December 2025. By combining public incentives with private financing, landlords can significantly reduce upfront expenses, enhance building value, and transition toward all-electric, energy-efficient operations that align with Newton’s climate goals.

Newton has partnered with Black Earth Compost to offer commercial composting services, providing businesses with a sustainable solution to manage organic waste. Black Earth Compost offers flexible pickup schedules, ranging from once to seven days a week, and provides various sizes of totes equipped with compostable liners to suit different business needs. Their services include relining totes with compostable bags on every stop and promoting participating businesses to the residential community, enhancing visibility and encouraging sustainable practices.

For food establishments like restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, composting can divert up to 50% of waste, starting with back-of-house operations and expanding to front-of-house as needed. This initiative not only reduces disposal costs but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. Offices can also benefit by decreasing their ecological footprint and promoting a healthier workplace. Black Earth Compost offers white-glove indoor service in Boston and Cambridge, ensuring a seamless experience for office spaces.

Businesses interested in starting a composting program can request a quote through Black Earth Compost’s website or by calling their customer service. The company serves various sectors, including florists, cafes, temples, churches, malls, grocery stores, and chain restaurants, providing tailored solutions to divert compostable waste from landfills. By partnering with Black Earth Compost, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future and support local farms and community gardens.

Newton has implemented recycling ordinances to enhance sustainability and reduce waste. All properties are required to separate and recycle cardboard, as well as other recyclables including plastic, metal, glass containers, and mixed paper. Waste haulers permitted to collect trash must also provide recycling services unless the property owner can show that another permitted hauler is providing separate recycling collection.

Landlords can significantly reduce waste, save on disposal costs, and improve tenant satisfaction by optimizing recycling practices through RecyclingWorks Massachusetts. The program offers free technical assistance, guidance, and resources to help property owners audit waste streams, separate materials, and implement recycling, composting, and donation programs.

Key actions include source-separating recyclables such as cardboard, paper, bottles, electronics, and construction debris, and ensuring your hauler contracts cover efficient recycling and organics collection. Landlords should also follow state waste bans to remain compliant and avoid fines. Programs for food donation and composting allow excess food to be diverted from landfills, lowering disposal costs while benefiting the community. Using these tools can make buildings more sustainable, reduce operating expenses, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility for tenants.