Renters edition - Sustainable living at home
We know that you're trying to balance comfort, costs and the rules of your rental home. You may not know where to start or how to talk to your landlord about making changes. We also know that extreme heat, cold, storms, wildfire smoke and drought can affect your home, energy and water use, and your wallet. That’s why we created this guide. Here you’ll find simple ways to save money and protect your home.
- Simple ways to save water, save energy and protect your home.
- Dollar signs ($-$$$) that show which steps are low-cost or free.
- Common questions from other renters.
You can bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you need it. This page is meant to be read at your own pace.
Choose a topic below to get started.
My community believes that sustainability doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Small habits every day show how much we care.
Mary
Save water at home
Calgary is a growing city on two small rivers – the Bow and the Elbow. By using water only when needed, we help our city maintain a safe, reliable water supply for future generations. We call this being water wise. When we make water wise choices like fixing small leaks, we save water and we save money on our water bills. By fixing leaks, we also help prevent mould, water damage and costly repairs. We all play a role in using water wisely. Even if you do not pay directly for water, you can save on your energy bill by using less hot water.
Good habits that help
Check for leaks early and report issues to your landlord.
Be aware of water use during daily activities like showering, cooking and cleaning.
Follow outdoor watering guidelines and work with your landlord on shared water use.
Avoid common problems
Flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
Using more water than needed during everyday activities.
Putting grease, chemicals, wipes or waste down drains and toilets.
How to save water around your home
Everyday activities like showering, cleaning, cooking and watering the yard all use water. In this section, you’ll learn how you can save water throughout the day.
Water: common questions
Can I install water-saving fixtures if I rent?
Water-saving fixtures, like low-flow faucet aerators, are simple to install and can help save water and money. Ask your landlord for permission before installing them.
Here are some benefits to share:
- Cost savings: Less water used and less stress on plumbing.
- Property value: Improved appeal to future renters.
- Regulatory readiness: Supports The City’s water efficiency goals.
Should I repair water fixtures in the property that I rent?
Tenants usually do not perform repairs unless stated in the lease. Report leaks right away to help prevent water damage and save water. In an emergency, you may need to arrange repairs if you cannot reach your landlord. Learn more about maintenance and repairs.
I don’t have a yard but I want to grow my own food. What can I do?
You don’t need a yard to grow food. If you rent an apartment or condo, there are easy, affordable and landlord-friendly ways to garden. This can be done indoors, on balconies or in your neighbourhood.
- Community gardens: Join a shared garden.
- Balcony gardening: Grow herbs and vegetables.
- Indoor growing: Grow food year-round inside.
- Shared spaces: Ask about building or community options.
How much water does my outdoor space need?
Water only when needed to lower costs and help plants grow stronger and more resilient.
Are there any workshops where I can learn more practical skills for gardening in Calgary?
Yes. The Calgary Horticultural Society offers Design Your Yard workshops online and in person to help you plan a water wise yard that thrives in Calgary.
Unable to attend a workshop? The City’s YardSmart program offers a series of free ‘How to’ videos and yard planning resources to help you get started. Learn more at calgary.ca/yardsmart.
What is stormwater and why should I care about it?
When it rains or snow melts, water runs off streets, driveways, sidewalks and yards and flows into rivers and creeks. This runoff is called stormwater.
As stormwater flows, it can carry garbage, chemicals, fertilizers, pet waste, road salt, dirt and other debris into local waterways. Stormwater isn’t treated before it enters rivers and creeks, so pollution can go directly into the water.
Keeping stormwater clean helps Calgary’s rivers and creeks stay healthy.
Learn how you can help: Stormwater management
I’m concerned about the water quality in my home. What should I do?
- Report concerns to your landlord.
- Call 311.
- Ask neighbours to report similar issues.
People are busy balancing work and family, and environmental information sometimes feels technical or distant.
Sonia
Ways to prepare your home
Calgary’s summers are getting hotter, drier and longer. Hazards like wildfire smoke, extreme heat, hail and flooding are becoming more common. Simple steps can help you stay safe, protect your belongings and be prepared. Planning ahead can reduce stress and help you feel more ready. Talk to your landlord about ways to help protect your home.
Ways to prepare ahead of time
Stay informed using trusted weather alerts and local safety updates.
Make an emergency plan so your household knows what to do before, during and after events.
Talk to your landlord and neighbours about safety and responsibilities.
Things to avoid
Not having a plan or emergency contacts in place.
Waiting too long to prepare for seasonal weather or emergencies.
Assuming insurance or building systems will cover all types of damage.
How to prepare your home and household
Talk to your landlord about ways to protect your home. Planning ahead helps everyone in your household know what to do before, during and after an emergency. This includes knowing who to contact, what your responsibilities are, how to protect your belongings and how to stay safe if services are disrupted.
Weather and safety: common questions
What can I do if my landlord does not want to make upgrades to my home?
Start by talking with your landlord. Here are some tips to help you have the conversation:
- Review your lease first. Check what changes are allowed and what requires written approval.
- Explain the benefits. Share how the upgrade could help protect the property, reduce utility costs or make the home more comfortable.
- Offer to help. For simple improvements, such as adding weatherstripping, you may be able to help with the installation if your landlord agrees.
- Get approval in writing. Make sure you have written permission before making any changes. An email is fine if it clearly states the approval.
What should I do before and after an extreme weather event?
Making a plan ensures that you and your family members know what to do and who to call before and after these emergency events. When it’s safe to do so, there are also steps to take after an emergency.
What are the basic items I need during emergencies?
A 72-hour emergency kit can help you and your family get through the first three days of an emergency. Make sure your kit has the supplies you need. Learn what to include in a 72-hour emergency kit.
Will my insurance cover severe weather damage?
Insurance coverage depends on your policy. Not all policies cover the same types of damage.
When you’re reviewing or signing up for insurance, it’s important to ask clear questions about coverage for common severe weather risks in Calgary, such as hail, flooding, wildfire and smoke.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada has resources to help you understand insurance and severe weather claims. They also offer a video series that explains what to do after a loss and how to navigate insurance claims.
- Learn more about insurance and severe weather.
- Watch the “What to do after a loss” video series.
If you need help and don’t speak English fluently, call 211. They can connect you with government, legal, insurance and community services in over 170 languages.
Ways to save energy
Saving energy helps keep your home comfortable and can help lower your energy bills. Even simple upgrades, like LED light bulbs and draft sealing, can help you save money. Before you begin, check your rental agreement to see what changes you can make on your own. Depending on the steps you're taking, you may need to speak with your landlord first.
Good energy habits
Start with simple, low-cost changes like LED lighting and reducing everyday energy use.
Check your energy bills regularly to understand your usage and costs.
Use available programs, rebates and workshops to learn how to save energy.
Avoid common mistakes
Ignoring small repairs, like drafts or faulty equipment, that increase energy use.
Assuming all energy improvements are expensive or not allowed in rentals.
Missing rebates, programs or supports that can help lower costs.
How to save energy in your home
Explore a variety of programs and resources to help you save energy, lower energy bills and improve home comfort and safety.
Energy: common questions
How do I read my energy bills?
Reviewing your bills, even if you use automatic payments, can help you understand your energy and water use. It is always a good idea to check your bills on a regular basis.
Learn how to read and understand your energy and water bills by signing up for a Home Upgrades Program Multilingual workshop.
What if I don’t have the tools to measure energy use?
Green Calgary offers free energy self-audit kits that you can borrow to help identify ways to save energy at home.
How can I find a lower-cost energy provider?
Use the home energy cost comparison tool to compare energy rates and providers based on your household’s energy use. This can help you find an option that fits your budget.
As a renter, we found it very challenging to take bigger actions like installing solar power and installing EV chargers in our homes, since we don’t own our property. However, we focused on what's within our reach, like saving energy by installing energy saving lights in our home and composting properly to reduce waste.
Amana
About this resource
Sustainable Living Toolkit series
Our renter edition is just the beginning. We also offer Sustainable Living Toolkits for newcomers and seniors. To view and explore, select the links below.
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Newcomers edition
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Seniors edition
Share your feedback
We want this toolkit to be a support to all renters across Calgary. If you have a suggestion (e.g. a resource we can add or a question we can answer), email us at climateprogram@calgary.ca. Your feedback helps us improve this toolkit for all renters.
This page contains links to other websites and content belonging to third parties. These links are provided for informational purposes only. The City of Calgary makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of third-party content or for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display of, or your use of, this content.
