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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ADUs are a great to expend your current rental property and increase unit count for rent, find out the different ways to convert existing structures into ADUs
There's value in keeping tenants happy. Discover 4 reasons keeping tenants happy is good for your property.
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you 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 .
