Electrification For Landlords
Options for Landlords
Energy experts know it can be costly to upgrade rentals, so there are a variety of programs, incentives, and tax credits to help reduce installation and purchase costs.
Key Points
Electrification makes buildings cheaper to operate. The average household can save $650 per year using electric appliances instead of fossil fuel alternatives, a Rewiring America analysis showed. Energy-efficient systems can stabilize and sometimes lower utility bills, reducing tenant turnover.
Energy-efficient improvements increase a building’s value. Installing a heat pump can increase the value of a home by up to 7 percent, according to one study.
Energy-efficient buildings are more comfortable and have cleaner indoor air, which helps keep residents happy and healthy.
Saving energy and switching to greener energy sources like water and solar is better for our planet. Natural gas usage in our buildings is a driver of climate change. Energy use in buildings is the source of about one-third of all U.S. emissions. Electrification is necessary to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and protect our shared climate.
Planning ahead is essential
Landlords are strongly encouraged to seek advice from experts on projects BEFORE undertaking expenses, as often costs are NOT reimbursable AFTER installation.
Projects often must be preceded by an energy assessment, use certified installers, and be pre-approved for reimbursement. (Energy assessments may be free or tax-deductible.)
Because funding sources can be used up quickly, it’s best to have projects ready and poised to take full advantage of funding opportunities. Making a plan is the smartest way to save money.
Electrify Ashland Now can help with all of this. Email us at info@ashlandclimate.org to start the conversation. Our services are free.
Energy rebates and tax credits
Today, landlords are eligible for energy rebates and tax credits through a variety of local, state, and federal programs.
Some state Department of Energy and Energy Trust of Oregon programs determine the size of rebates awarded to landlords based on the income of tenants. If a portion of a building’s renters qualify as low or moderate income, the landlord may qualify for rebates of up to 100% of the cost to purchase and install energy-efficient equipment.
State and Energy Trust of Oregon Resources
Multifamily Oregon Cash Incentives Program for Existing Buildings
City of Ashland resources
The City offers energy incentives to landlords as well as residents. You should contact the City directly to learn more.
In 2025, the City set aside funds to replace packaged terminal heat pumps in multifamily dwellings at little to no cost to property owners.
Contact the City’s energy specialist at 541-488-5306 to learn more.
Packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs) are combined heating and cooling assemblies mounted through the wall. They are becoming increasingly common in multifamily residential applications (mid-rise apartment buildings).
Federal programs
Consult your tax adviser about federal tax credits. As of late May 2025, the future of significant rebates and tax credits offered through the federal Inflation Reduction Act is uncertain. The federal government has proposed rolling back many components of the incentives. It is believed that tax credits for 2024 expenditures will likely be honored by the IRS, however, this is not certain as of late May 2025. Landlords may want to expedite programs to ensure 2024 tax credits.
Free help from Electrify Ashland Now
Managing energy efficiency upgrades can be a challenge. Certified volunteers from Electrify Ashland Now can help you make a plan. They can answer your questions or connect you to program experts. Contact us at info@ashlandclimate.org.
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