How to add insulation to my apartment that I rent without the owner?

Mary Shemon
by Mary Shemon

I live in a low income apartment building and my heat bills are so high but being I rent I don't know how I can possibly put in any insulation without the landowners knowing, is there a way that I can do it with out them knowing?

  5 answers
  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 11, 2018

    Hi Mary, not really with out the landlord, but you could talk to them about this, Styrofoam sheets can be put on walls and paneling can go over top. In the long run you will save some money

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Dec 11, 2018

    No, you can't add insulation, but you can cover your windows at night with quilts. Hang decorative quilts as wall hangings. Put another layer of area rugs on the floor.


    You can also contact the management company and advise them of your heating issues. There may be something they can do - like checking to see if the windows need caulking, etc. There also may be something wrong with your heater.

  • Suzette Suzette on Dec 11, 2018

    Hi Mary, Have you talked with the landlord about this issue? If they won't insulate, there are a couple of things you can do to help. You can get plastic window insulation by 3M. It's easy to do too! You can get a winter door sweep. Here's an example: https://www.gearbest.com/home-gear/pp_009627997190.html?wid=1433363¤cy=USD&vip=15825953&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrvKez4WZ3wIVCJyzCh1eSgrSEAQYBiABEgJa2PD_BwE


    Another way to help insulate walls is to hang quilts or packing quilts on the outside facing walls. If you have an entertainment center, you can hang one behind it. Packing quilts also make great diy winter roman shades for your windows! If your apartment does not have carpet, think about jute back area rugs.


    Maybe you should talk with your neighbors to see if they are having the same problem. Together you could all approach your landlord and ask him to insulate.


    Good luck!

  • Betty Albright-Bistrow Betty Albright-Bistrow on Dec 11, 2018

    Mary! There are ways to cut down on your utility costs that really are very simple & nothing that would affect your landlord whatsoever. I have lived in apartments where there was not enough insulation and I would cover the windows with plastic, even bubble wrap. There are window kits available through Amazon or even Home Depot/Lowe's. Amazon has a great window kit: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Indoor-Window-Insulator-5-Window/dp/B00002NCJI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544576018&sr=8-3&keywords=window+kit+insulating+film


    Cover the bottom of every door at the bottom with a rug or even a weather catcher (cute little dogs that lie across the bottom).


    Also you can get guards to put over your electric outlets because you can get drafts through those. You can get thin boards from the hardware store to cover a fire place opening and things of that nature. We use black-out insulated drapes we got from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Yakamok-Soundproof-Insulated-Blackout-52x84-inch-x/dp/B074FSHCQB/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1544575908&sr=8-9&keywords=insulating+curtains+for+winter


    Take a look at these ideas and I know they will help you. I try to still keep my heat down to 68 and use a down comforter, but if you don't have that layer your quilts on your bed, flannel sheets are wonderful to help keep out the cold in your bed too. Drink plenty of hot tea & Hot chocolate, wear warm PJs, and comfy warm socks and slippers. Carpets/area rugs help a lot on floors to keep it warmer. Of note: If you are not able to buy the window kits, you can use bubble wrap which can be purchased at Dollar Tree. In the past I have used bubble wrap, then put large garbage bags over that for double insulation. We do make it with what we have, and every thing you do to make your place warmer is money in your pocket and not the utility companies. You will be amazed how much energy you lose from your windows, from your doors, electrical outlets, etc. I have pushed shelves or even a big piece of furniture in front of doors I don't use after I have put things over the door to keep drafts out. So any of these things you can do will help you tremendously.


    https://hotpads.com/blog/tips-on-temprarily-insulating-your-apartment/


    https://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/does-your-apartment-have-poor-insulation.html


    https://www.rent.com/blog/10-ways-save-apartments-monthly-electric-bill/


    Let us know how you are doing after your insulation in your apartment. My best to you!



    • Sandy Sandy on Dec 12, 2018

      Do not block doors that exit the apartment. Make sure any windows that would be used in case of emergency are not blocked by furniture. Plasic and blankets can be moved in emergency, furniture may not. If u have a room you dont use xlose rhe vents and xlose the soor to that room. Hang heavy curtains or light blankets in doorways to precent cold air movement. Buy an automatic off electric blanket. Do not buy used electric blankets as the elecwires may be damaged and can cause fires.

  • Joan Stanley Joan Stanley on Dec 12, 2018

    Low-income apartments must meet regulations to make them safe. You might check to see if your apartment meets those regulations.

    The others' suggestions are excellent. If you don't have quilts, etc. look at Good Will, Salvation Army or other thrift store to buy some.

    Just, PLEASE NEVER USE YOUR STOVE TO HEAT YOUR APARTMENT!!!