Load-shedding is here to stay, according to those in the know, and water outages or shortages due to poorly maintained infrastructure and climate change are likely to increase in frequency.

Providing tenants with solutions for energy and water issues is not a requirement of landlords. However, doing so is sure to attract them and will go a long way to retaining the good ones. In fact, demand is likely to increase with so many people working from home at least some of the time.

There are various advantages besides secured supply. For the tenant, an inverter supplied by the landlord will mean lower data costs and less wear and tear on costly electrical equipment like computers. Solar panels and grey-water systems will reduce their utility costs.

Such installations will also increase the value of your property and, if you live in Cape Town, could even make you some money. The City’s Demand Response Programme aims to, among other things, pay cash for excess electricity fed back into the grid. Initially, this is aimed at commercial and industrial customers, but it will be expanded to residents in time.

What tenants want

Most tenants are looking for cost-effective water and power solutions. They want to be able to save money on their monthly utility bills, and many tenants are also interested in eco-friendly water and power solutions.

Tenants also want water and power solutions that are easy to use. They don't want to have to worry about complex maintenance or installation procedures. Instead, they want solutions that are simple and straightforward.

Finally, tenants want water and power solutions that are reliable. They don't want to have to worry about their power going out or their water shutting off. They want to know that their landlords have invested in quality solutions that will provide them with the peace of mind they need.

If you keep these things in mind, you'll be able to choose the best water and power solutions for your tenants. By doing so, you'll be able to keep them happy and happy tenants save landlords money.

Inverters

Inverters are devices that convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC). This means that you can use them to provide power for your home or business, even when the grid is down. There are many benefits to using inverters, and they can be a great way to save money on your energy bill. Here are some of the benefits of using inverters:

They are more efficient than traditional generators because they only use the electricity that is necessary to power a few essential devices and appliances. They are also quieter than traditional generators, so you will not have to worry about noise pollution and annoying the neighbours. They do not produce harmful emissions either. Inverters are fairly easy to install, and you can do it yourself if you are handy, and if you buy lithium-ion batteries, they have a long lifespan, too.

Solar

The cost of solar can be a bit daunting. But there are creative ways to finance your investment, whether it’s through leasing, power purchase agreements, or renewable energy loans, which most of our banks offer.

With solar leasing, you essentially rent the solar panels from the solar company. This can be a great option if you don’t have the up-front cash to invest in solar or if you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of the panels. The solar company will usually take care of that for you. You can also rent to own.

The other option is to go for a solar loan. This is becoming an increasingly popular option, as it’s a way to finance your solar panels with little to no money down. You can get renewable energy loans from all major banks in South Africa.

It is important to do your research to make sure you have the correct system installed. A cheap installation will not add value to a property.

Rain-water tanks

With water shortages expected to become more common in the coming years, finding alternative water sources will become increasingly important. One option is to install a rainwater tank.

There are many benefits to using rainwater, including the fact that it is free and does not require energy to pump or treat like water from other sources. Rainwater is also a renewable resource, making it more environmentally friendly than other options.

Installing a rainwater tank can also increase the value of your property in dry areas. This is because rainwater tanks are seen as a desirable amenity, especially where water shortages are likely to occur. They can also help to reduce your water bills, as well as your carbon footprint.

If you are thinking of installing a rainwater tank, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you will need to ensure that your tank is properly sized for your needs. You will also need to ensure that it is installed correctly to avoid leaks. Finally, you will need to consider how you will maintain your tank and keep the water clean.

With a bit of planning, installing a rainwater tank can be a great way to save money and help the environment. It can also add value to your property.

The rainwater can then be used for garden irrigation. A good greywater system and a borehole are also excellent ways to reduce reliance on the municipal grid.

For more information on Just Property, please visit www.just.property or call (087) 583 3333.