Blog Post

5 Maintenance Items To Do During Summer

Dustin Edwards • August 6, 2024

Summer brings hot, sunny days perfect for relaxing and enjoying yourself. However, summer also offers an opportunity to do key maintenance before fall. 


Below is a list of five maintenance items you should consider doing during summer to benefit your Long Beach rental properties.



Cooling System

Ensuring your cooling system functions efficiently during heavy summer usage is important for keeping your tenant comfortable. Basic upkeep can include replacing old and dirty air filters to improve airflow and increase efficiency. Cleaning the coils and checking refrigerant levels help to ensure the system's optimal performance. For rental properties with HVAC systems, summer is a great time to inspect your ductwork for leaks or obstructions. Simple maintenance can go a long way, but these tips can help enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, it may lead to lower utility bills and reduce the risk of breakdowns during extreme heat which can result in an expensive repair bill.


Roof and Gutter 

Although inspecting a roof during the scorching summer is far from an ideal time, it does help to inspect your roof for any damage caused by the rain and winds. Pay attention to areas such as missing or damaged shingles. These can be potential leaks, which can compromise the roof's overall integrity. Cleaning rain gutters is essential in preventing water damage and ensuring proper drainage. By addressing the gutters during a dry season you can more easily see cracks that can be repaired in time for the following rainy season.


Exterior Maintenance

Maintaining curb appeal is important year-round. During the summer, regular lawn and tree trimming is typical. However, refreshing mulch and inspecting the siding or paint of your rental can help keep your property looking vibrant. Sprinkler systems can sometimes become clogged or damaged, wasting water and causing dry patches on the lawn.


If your rental has large trees, ensure they’re not overgrown. Tree roots can damage sidewalks and driveways, while some tree limbs can damage fencing and generally look unkempt. Taking care of these exterior issues can not only improve the property's appearance but also enhance the safety of tenants and their guests. These maintenance items can improve your property's attractiveness, reduce water waste, and increase
tenant satisfaction.


Pest Control

Summer can often bring with it an increase in pest activity. Performing preventative measures can be crucial for property maintenance. Have your rental property inspected for signs of pest activity, just because you can't see them doesn't necessarily mean you’re in the clear. Look for nests, droppings, or odd smells, indicating that your rental property may be infested. These actions can help protect your rental property from damage caused by pests and ensure your tenant's comfort. Staying ahead of pests can avoid expensive repairs throughout the summer months.


Windows and Doors

Drafts, sealing gaps, and window cracks can greatly affect the efficiency and comfort of your property. Repairing or replacing damaged windows and window screens can significantly improve energy efficiency by preventing air leaks when the air conditioning is turned on and keeping pests out if your tenants just want to open the window. For old cracked windows, consider replacing them entirely with energy-efficient windows. They can not only further reduce cooling costs during hot months but also provide long-term savings. These upgrades can make the rental property more comfortable and secure while increasing its appeal and value.


Summer is one of the greatest reasons to live in Southern California. Although responsibilities come with it, if you are looking to do summer maintenance on your rental or need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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