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What renters can do about light pollution

Apartment buildings at dusk with numerous illuminated windows and balconies. Warm indoor lighting contrasts with the blue evening sky, illustrating how residential lighting contributes to urban nighttime light pollution.
 Credit: iStock / Marcus Lindstrom

Renters don’t always have the same ability to change outdoor lighting as property owners. However, there are still many ways to reduce light pollution, improve your nighttime environment, and advocate for better lighting in your community. Whether you have control over a light fixture on your patio or balcony, or you’re working with neighbors and property managers to improve lighting across an entire apartment complex, every action can make a difference.

Find information about:

Improving the lighting you control

Improving lighting in your building or community

Improving the lighting you control

If you have control over any outdoor lighting around your home, patio, balcony, or entryway, there are several simple steps you can take to reduce light pollution while maintaining safety and comfort.

Turn off unnecessary lighting

Before turning on or leaving on any exterior light, ask whether it serves a clear purpose. Lighting used for wayfinding, safety, or specific activities may be necessary, but many lights are left on when they are no longer needed.

Whenever possible:

  • Turn off outdoor lights before going to bed.
  • Only use lighting during the hours when it is needed.
  • Avoid leaving decorative or accent lighting on all night.

Use lighting controls

Timers, dimmers, and motion sensors can help ensure that light is available when needed, reduced when possible, and turned off when it is not required. These simple controls can reduce energy use while minimizing light pollution.

Choose patio and balcony lighting carefully

If you’re able to add or replace outdoor lighting, follow the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting:

  • Use light only when and where it is needed.
  • Direct light downward.
  • Keep light levels as low as possible.
  • Use warmer color temperatures.
  • Limit the amount of time lights remain on.

Properly designed lighting can be beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible while saving energy and reducing impacts on wildlife and neighbors.

Replace or modify bulbs when possible

Even if you can’t replace an entire fixture, changing the bulb can make a meaningful difference.

Consider:

  • Replacing cool-colored bulbs with warmer lights (3000K or lower).
  • Using the lowest-level brightness necessary for the task.
  • Choosing bulbs with built-in shielding or directional designs when available.

Keep in mind that walls, concrete, and other surfaces can reflect light, so you may need less light than you think.

Improving lighting in your building or community

If you don’t have control over outdoor lighting fixtures, you’re not powerless. Some of the most successful lighting improvements begin when residents work together—with their neighbors, landlords, and communities—to advocate for better lighting practices.

“I just spoke to my landlord and asked about what lighting I could change, and luckily I have a decent landlord who said, ‘Do what you want, it’s your home now.’ Not all landlords will be as cooperative, but I think having a polite, friendly conversation is a good idea.”
— Roy Alexander, United Kingdom

Roy’s experience highlights an important point: while not every renter has direct control over outdoor lighting, many improvements begin with a conversation. Laws and regulations governing rental properties vary widely by country, state, and municipality, but working collaboratively with landlords, neighbors, and local advocates can often lead to meaningful change.

Start with a conversation

The simplest solution may be speaking with your landlord, property manager, or building superintendent. Many property owners are unaware that their lighting may be causing glare, wasting energy, disturbing wildlife, or negatively affecting residents.

When discussing lighting concerns:

  • Approach the conversation professionally and respectfully.
  • Explain how responsible lighting can improve comfort, visibility, and quality of life.
  • Emphasize potential energy and cost savings.
  • Share educational resources and examples of better lighting solutions.

You may be surprised by how willing property managers are to consider improvements.

Work together with your neighbors

There is strength in numbers. Other residents in your building or neighborhood may share your concerns about excessive or poorly designed lighting.

Consider:

  • Talking with neighbors about their experiences.
  • Forming a small committee or working group.
  • Developing a clear set of shared goals and priorities.
  • Presenting recommendations collectively to building management.

A unified voice often has a greater impact than individual requests.

Conduct a nighttime walk-through

Invite your landlord, property manager, or building superintendent to walk through the property after dark and identify specific lighting concerns together.

During the walk-through, look for:

  • Unshielded fixtures causing glare.
  • Lights that remain on when not needed.
  • Areas that appear overlit.
  • Opportunities to use warmer color temperatures.
  • Fixtures that could benefit from shielding or controls.

Many lighting problems become much easier to understand when viewed firsthand at night.

Suggest practical solutions

When raising concerns, it helps to offer realistic recommendations.

A good starting point is the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, which provide a proven framework for improving lighting while maintaining safety and functionality.

You can also encourage property managers to:

  • Install shields on existing fixtures.
  • Replace overly bright bulbs with lower-output options.
  • Add timers, dimmers, or motion sensors.
  • Consider certified products through the DarkSky Approved program.

Advocate in your community

Beyond your own property, you can help improve lighting throughout your community.

Consider:

  • Joining the DarkSky Advocates Network.
  • Connecting with a local DarkSky chapter or delegate.
  • Learning whether your municipality has an outdoor lighting ordinance.
  • Supporting efforts to adopt responsible lighting policies if none exist.

Community advocacy can create lasting improvements that benefit residents, wildlife, energy conservation, and the night sky.

Remember: you don’t have to own a property to help protect the night.

Whether you’re changing a single light bulb, talking with your neighbors, or advocating for better lighting across your community, your actions can help create safer, healthier, and more beautiful nighttime environments for everyone.