I have a tenant asking me to participate in allowing an agency called NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF TOLEDO, INC. to weatherize my rental house. It sounds good on the surface, i.e., they're going to insulate my house, plug up leaks, etc. etc. at no cost to me. Is this a good idea? Does anyone have experience in this? Just wanted to know if there are any hidden costs or pitfalls to getting involved with something like this. Thanks in advance for any light you could shed on the subject. – Jack --66.242.xx.xxx

Actually I think the electric company paid for it. --24.121.xx.xxx

This program is the same in Columbus, Ohio. It is the HWAP (Home Weatherization Assistance Program) They partner with the Gas company (Warn Choice program). I just had a tenant call me as well to participate in the Warm Choice. The will do a home inspection to see if your home is energy efficient. The goal is to save the tenant some money on their utilities. There should not be a cost to you. If you are in agreement they will send you several forms to sign seeking permission to come into the home to inspect and make changes as needed. The forms will spell out clearly what they will do. The tenant has to meet income requirements to get the services. Hope this helps! --76.181.xxx.xxx

Note: experts tell me that wrapping a water heater is pointless and could void your warranty. --50.129.xxx.xxx

it depends on exactly what they are doing, we have that program as well. here they replace windows and hvac systems as well as insulate. we also have a lead based paint that i havent had an opportunity to participate in yet but intend to when i get a qualified tenant. i would do it again, it is at not cost to me and my tax money. --75.1.xxx.xx

Your tenant is probably on Fuel Assistance and this is done to reduce the annual cost to subsidize them. The savings in fuel subsidies for every 3 homes we do the heats the 4th for free.... forever --66.30.xxx.xxx

Yes, DO IT NOW before the funds for that program run out. It improves the quality, efficiency and VALUE of your rental. Also, the lower utility bills will make your rental more attractive to present and future residents. WIN WIN WIN --208.54.xx.xxx

--99.20.xxx.xxx

The rental unit which has the lowest utility cost will be easy to rent. The value of the house will go up as the when the house is well insulated more people are able to buy if one ever sells. A well insulated house the furnace can be downsized as the heat loss is less. A high efficiency furnace can be smaller as well as the net output is higher. --74.220.xxx.xx

Hey, this is Jack, the guy who posted the original question. I just want to say THANKS to everyone who responded. All good stuff. Other than the one about the lead paint (that one scares me) everything is pretty positive. One good thing that's already going to come out of it is that my tenant is going to sign another year lease. So, at least one more year without having to work on that house. Plus, I think it will (should) get me brownie points with my tenants. --66.242.xx.xxx

I asked for proof the contractors were licensed, insured, and RRP certified. Without those documents, I suggested they replace the tenant's windowshaker a/c. They could not. --68.83.xxx.xx

I wish they make it easier (no paperwork from tenni other than one or two signature) --75.67.x.x