As a renter, you have the right to know if your current or
future apartment is energy efficient. The Energy Conservation
and Audit Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance requires that Austin
multifamily properties (such as apartment complexes)
complete an energy audit of the residential units. These audits
must be done the year the complex turns 10 years old, with
new audits conducted every 10 years after. A qualified ECAD
Energy Professional must conduct the audit. ECAD applies to
properties that are:
• Within the Austin Energy service area,
• Within the Austin city limits and
• 10 years or older
Through the Energy Conservation and Audit Disclosure (ECAD)
ordinance you can request the energy Audit results and a
companion Energy Guide to see estimated average monthly
energy costs for a complex. Use both the Audit and Energy
Guide as tools to compare to other similar properties.
Energy audit results should also be posted at
your property for all current and prospective
residents to review. For current residents, a copy
of the energy audit results must be provided upon
request and automatically upon lease renewal.
Energy audit results must be disclosed for
prospective residents by making the results available when they apply for a lease. Prospective
residents must be able to review the results before
any application fees are accepted.
When you receive audit results, you have the
opportunity to discuss energy efficiency measures
and improvements with your property management.
Residents can come together to encourage property owners
to use audit results as a catalyst for property improvement. The
ECAD audit covers:
• Air conditioning and heating system efficiency
• Air filtration, duct performance, air sealing
in plumbing areas, and weatherstripping
• Windows
• Attic insulation
By choosing an energy-efficient property you can lower your
energy and water bills, increase the comfort of your apartment, duplex or condo and improve the indoor air quality
of your residence. Austin Energy offers a variety of energy
efficiency upgrade incentives to help multifamily properties
offset the costs of making energy upgrades identified through
the ECAD audit. Your property management can learn more
about rebates for improvements by visiting powersaver.
austinenergy.com.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
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