3 Items to Consider Regarding Fencing and Your Long Beach Rental
Dustin Edwards • May 15, 2020
Fencing Can Help Attract Great Tenants
When you think of your rental in Long Beach one of the first thoughts that comes to mind isn’t likely fencing. Fencing isn’t generally in the category of a “must have” for property owners. In Southern California, if you took them all down, it wouldn’t be easy to identify a property line. Fencing has come a long way since the classic 1940’s chain link options that were prevalent in many neighborhoods throughout Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower and more.
To help you get the most from your Long Beach rental and keep tenants happy we invite you to consider the following aspects about fencing.
Front Yard Fencing to Increase Usable Space and Curb Appeal
In Lakewood and Long Beach you will find that fencing in the front yard is a rarity. Most lawns are open all the way to the sidewalk but what if you were in the select group that does fence in your front yard? If you fence in your yard you get two key benefits:
- Additional usable space - For many tenants with pets and/or kids this is a great option if you fence in a yard and maintain the lawn. With front yard fencing one doesn’t have to worry about the ball rolling into the street and one can even converse with nearby neighbors as they stroll by on a walk.
- Curb Appeal - For some properties one can take the approach of making the front-yard a true statement with fencing. In areas such as Belmont Heights, with often more expensive leasing options, you will find extensive front yard landscaping that is then further enhanced with fencing.
A Gate Addition to Provide Access to the Rear Yard
One of the oddly forgotten aspects about fencing is how it provides access to your rear yard. While this is commonly a gate, this is often completed along with a fencing upgrade. For many homes in both Long Beach and Lakewood you can see a long driveway that provides access to a garage located at the rear of the property. In some properties a gate is not present allowing the driveway direct access to the garage; however, most of us in Southern California aren’t using our garages to park our cars. If there isn’t a gate present consider this a rental property upgrade
that can add value and usability long term.
A gate for your driveway has the benefit of adding an element of privacy as well as attracting tenants with pets.
Fencing for the Rear Yard of Your Long Beach Rental
At the rear of your property you will traditionally find fencing covering three sides of your property. Most commonly you will find that fencing here locally is constructed with cinder blocks but at times you can find dog eared wood fencing. As you evaluate the condition of your fencing of your Long Beach rental in the rear yard consider the following enhancements when it comes time to repair or replace.
- Stucco - A stucco finish on a cinder block wall can really enhance the look of your property. Remember tenants have options in the marketplace and often small enhancements can help your property to stand out and win the tenant who wants to stay in your property for years to come.
- Lighting - By adding outdoor lighting to your rear yard fencing you can create an inviting space that allows your tenant to truly enjoy the property. There are many options, including solar, that will allow you to easily add lighting.
When it comes to dealing with the fencing of your Long Beach rental we are happy to provide guidance. To help you navigate the unknown and understand your options for increasing your rent we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247. Or if you prefer a complete evaluation of your property we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis.
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Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof or you 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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