Renters across the U.S. face a growing energy gap, according to a new Binghamton University study. While renters shoulder most heating costs, they lack the power to install insulation or upgrade appliances. The research, published in *Energy Research & Social Science*, spotlights this widening divide for every tenant and homeowners.

Local officials interviewed by the researchers revealed that most programs target homeowners, leaving renters excluded. The “split incentive” problem means landlords, focused on profit, rarely invest in upgrades like solar panels or better windows. This mismatch fuels higher bills and health risks for renters in substandard apartments across the nation.

Some cities counter the gap with rental licensing that mandates energy standards, and nonprofits partner with landlords to share costs. Experts suggest that tying upgrades to lease renewals could align incentives. Policymakers now face the challenge of designing programs that benefit both tenants and property owners for sustainable housing solutions.