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A lease needn't be a green leash! There are plenty of practical and landlord-friendly eco-living solutions renters can put into practice, from simple changes like switching to energy- and water-efficient fittings and doing a bit of DIY draught-sealing, to bigger changes made to the property with the landlord's permission.

To help eco-keen tenants and their landlords make these changes, there are a range of government rebates available. Check them out below:

Nationwide

Up to $1,000 in rebates for solar hot water systems (from 19 Feb, 2010) and ceiling insulation (from June 1, 2010) will be available under the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme. As long as you have written permission, your landlord needn't even be involved in the technical side of things. Access can be difficult as the requirements are strict - but organisations like Home Green and Pink Batts are happy to help you through.
For more information see the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package website.

Australian Capital Territory

A detailed energy audit of homes built in the ACT before 1996 is available from the Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) at a cost of $30. The ACT Government offers a $500 rebate for expenditure of $2,000 or more on the priority recommendations in your HEAT Energy Audit report. For those claiming the rebate, the $30 audit fee is also refunded. Tenants must have the landlord's signature on the rebate application form. The ToiletSmart program provides a $100 rebate for the replacement of a single-flush toilet with a dual-flush one.
See the ACT Government's ACTSmart for Your Household website.

New South Wales

The NSW Government offers a range of rebates for upgrading fittings like fridges, toilets, washing machines and water heaters. Tenants are welcome to apply as long as they have written permission from their landlord. See www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Northern Territory

The Territory is light on rebates for big-ticket items, but instead offers its Energy Smart Rebate for small-scale solutions like power boards, power usage meters and fridge and freezer seals. You probably already have most of these installed, but the 50 per cent rebate of up to $200 is a great incentive for friends or neighbours! Just make sure they keep their receipts.

Queensland

Queensland is still catching up with larger rebates, but those wanting to make smaller changes could consider a ClimateSmart Home Service. It will cost you $50, but it's a great way to install a water and energy-efficient showerhead, up to 15 energy-efficient light globes and a wireless power monitor all in one hit. Your home does have to be separately metered and you will need permission, but licensed electricians carry out all installations - so your landlord can rest easy. Check out www.climatesmarthome.com for a full list of requirements.

South Australia

The H2OME Rebate scheme offers a range of partial rebates on water-efficient items like dual-flush toilets, water-saving showerheads, pool covers, garden goods and washing machines. Tenants are welcome to apply, but some items will require a letter from the property owner. The Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme also offers rebates on energy-saving fixtures like insulation and draught-proofing.

Tasmania

Hobart City Council also offers up to $300 in rebates specifically to landlords who install ceiling insulation, as well as a range of other rebates. Regional Tasmanians may need to look to federal programs. www.hobartcity.com.au

Victoria

Victorians are spoilt for choice when it comes to rebates. Everything from rainwater tanks to double glazing can be subsidised under their Save Energy scheme, but the best news is that all water appliances, fitting and fixtures replaced in Victorian rental properties are required to have a Standards Australia 'A' rating - so make sure your landlord complies.

Western Australia

The Regional Energy Efficiency scheme offers those outside WA's main electricity grid great rebates on big-ticket items like air-conditioners, fridges and freezers and insulation simply by making sure they're choosing energy- efficient options. See www.clean.energy.wa.gov.au.

For more handy information on renting green, check out G's top tips for renters in the July/August issue.