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8 Common Questions a Landlord Should be Prepared to Answer

Dustin Edwards • October 20, 2021

Give Your Tenants Confidence with Essential Information

Common Tenant Questions
When new tenants move in, chances are they may have several questions for their landlord. While some of these questions are obvious, there are others that landlords may not consider ahead of time. These questions can catch landlords off guard, as they may not have a prepared answer on the tip of their tongue. 

To help remedy this disconnect, here are eight questions new tenants may ask about your Long Beach rental, and sufficient ways to answer them. 

“Is the security deposit refundable?” 
California rental agreements cannot specify that a security deposit is non-refundable. As such, landlords have twenty-one days after a tenant moves out to either return the security deposit in full or provide a written letter explaining to the tenant why they are keeping the security deposit (such as unpaid rent or repairs). However, the security deposit can only go toward repairs on damages caused by the tenants, not repairs on accidental damages or general wear and tear. 

For more information surrounding security deposits, we invite you to check out the California Courts website

“When is rent due?” 
For first-time tenants who are unfamiliar with rental properties, this is a perfectly natural question. While the answer will differ from landlord to landlord, most California rental agreements stipulate that rent is due on the first of the month or within the first five days of the month. 

“Are there periods where the rent doesn’t go up?”
In Long Beach landlords can only raise rent once a year. Thus, your tenants will only face rental increases annually (or less depending on your personal discretion). 

Effectively raising rent can be tricky for a landlord, but understanding the legality behind it can alleviate the process. Keep in mind there are limits on the amount that rent can be raised in Long Beach.  You may read state law AB-1482 for additional details on how the rental increase may be handled.  Long Beach has interpreted this law to cap rental increases at a maximum of 8.6%.

“What is included in the rent?” 
Typically, rent includes water, sewer, and trash services, parking, and extra amenities (such as pool or gym fees for an apartment complex). Sometimes, water, sewer, and/or trash services will be billed to your tenants separately by the provider. Additionally, electricity, natural gas, internet, and cable TV services are not included in rent and will be billed to your tenants separately by the provider. 

Rent also does not usually include renter’s insurance or furnishings (unless your Long Beach rental is a furnished apartment).

That being said, all these factors are specific to your property and, as such, you will need to provide a complete and thorough outline of what is included in your rent. 

“What happens if I can’t pay my rent?”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an eviction moratorium currently in effect until September 30, 2021. Therefore, California law protects tenants from eviction until the aforementioned date, if they provide their landlord with a signed declaration within fifteen days of receiving a rental notice and pay 25% of all rent due from September 2020 through September 2021 by September 30, 2021. 

Once that day rolls around, landlords can sue tenants who owe any unpaid rent. To combat this, tenants can apply to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief, which may cover 100% of past-due rent. This protection lasts until March 31, 2022. Landlords cannot evict tenants who have applied to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief and are awaiting a response. 

For more information surrounding California eviction protections regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we invite you to check out the California COVID-19 resource website

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, landlords needed to provide tenants with a three-day notice to pay rent. If tenants did not pay rent within those three days, then landlords could file an eviction lawsuit. 

Following eviction, the tenant’s security deposit could cover unpaid rent. 

“How long is the lease term?”
In California, standard lease terms cannot be longer than one year and can be as short as six months or even thirty days. The terms of the lease should be outlined in writing to remove any chance of he said, she said disputes. 

Lease terms can be longer than one year if tenants and landlords reach an agreement in writing. 

“Should I give notice if I am going on vacation?”
For any vacation, tenants should alert their landlord of an impending absence. That way, the landlord is aware that their property is vacant and they can periodically check on it. 

Depending on the details of the lease, landlords may require their tenants to pay their rent early for a vacation that spans a month or longer.

“Is a pet deposit required?” 
Pet deposits are a legal additional security deposit in California that can protect your Long Beach rental from any damages caused specifically by tenants’ pets. 

The price of pet deposits can vary based on the tenants’ amount of pets, their breeds, their sizes, etc. Prices may be higher for certain breeds that are more active or prone to destructive behavior. 

Similar to security deposits, pet deposits are refundable and can be returned to tenants in the same way as security deposits. 
 
These are just some of the many questions tenants may ask when moving into your Long Beach rental. If you would like to discuss further questions tenants may ask and the best ways to approach them, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247, or you can fill out our Owner Application online

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By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help 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 November 4, 2024
Owning a rental property in a beach city like Long Beach, CA , offers a number of advantages, like great weather and a strong real estate market. However, the cold ocean breezes can pose some challenges for landlords and tenants, making it convenient for property managers . Although the weather is generally great, these ocean breezes can sometimes make properties drafty and uncomfortable during the fall and winter seasons. Today we’ll go over four measures that can improve tenant comfort and protect your investment from the cold ocean breezes. Weatherproofing Againsts Drafts Drafts are caused by gaps between doors and windows which can make a rental feel colder than it is. This leads to unnecessary energy use and tenant discomfort. Sealing these gaps is not difficult and quite doable for a landlord who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Replacing worn weatherstripping and adding fresh caulking to seal minor gaps blocks air from permeating the property. For additional protection from drafts, you can provide your tenant with inexpensive door sweeps. Improve Heating Efficiency Having efficient heating is crucial to countering the cooler ocean breezes while keeping costs low. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system , such as replacing filters, cleaning vents, and cleaning the compressor to keep it running smoothly. This not only provides more efficient heating, it also extends the life of your HVAC system. Installing a smart thermostat is another way for tenants to adjust heating schedules efficiently. Protect Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and even porches can oftentimes be exposed to the coastal breezes. This can be an issue in the long run, especially for rentals next to the beach , as the wind can carry sand and salt, which can accelerate the deterioration of metals, wood, and paint. This can be mitigated by adding windbreaks to the property, such as lattice panels or outdoor curtains, to create a more comfortable and functional outdoor space. Exterior finishes will require more frequent maintenance. This includes resealing wood and metal surfaces. As well as repainting is important to protect against wear from salt, sand, and moisture. Wind Mitigating Landscaping Much like with the curtains and lattice previously talked about, the landscaping can also be used as a windbreak. For example, planting wind-resistant shrubs or trees alongside exposed areas creates a natural barrier. This helps reduce the impact of the gusts of wind hitting the property. Many native plants thrive in coastal climates while also requiring minimal maintenance. While expensive, the results can greatly improve your rental’s longevity and curb appeal. Alternatively, you can strategically place planters to provide protection. Durable Furniture Furniture and fixtures exposed to the cold coastal breezes need to be able to withstand that wear and tear. Choose resilient materials such as treated wood, powder-coated metals, and outdoor-rated plastics. These are less prone to being damaged by the salt or wind. Furniture that is lightweight should be secured or anchored in place to prevent it from being blown away. By investing in durable furnishing, you can provide tenants with a comfortable and functional outdoor space for years to come. Protecting your beach city property from the cold ocean breeze doesn't necessarily require extensive renovations or investments. Try to focus on any relevant feedback from your tenant, this can help you pinpoint what part of your rental needs attention. If you need additional help protecting your rental property from the cold ocean breezes or if you need help managing 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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