First 3 Things To Do Should Your Property Need Major Repairs

Dustin Edwards • February 26, 2025

Needing major repairs to your rental property is only a matter of time. While these kinds of issues are best found during vacancy preparations, it's not uncommon for major issues to be overlooked. For this reason you should always be prepared.

Below is a short list of the first three things you should do if your property needs major repair.


Evaluate the Issue

When major repairs are needed, the first step you should take is to evaluate the extent of the damage. Ideally you hire an experienced professional to determine whether the issue is structural, plumbing, electrical, or another system failure. Assessing the issue thoroughly can help landlords understand the scope of work required for the repair as well as how to prevent future occurrences in their other rental properties. For example, an electrical short circuit may indicate faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits, which may require anywhere from a simple troubleshoot to a rewire. Getting multiple quotes from experienced contractors allows landlords to compare costs, and the time frame allows landlords to make an informed decision.


Addressing safety concerns as soon as possible is crucial for tenant safety. In severe cases where power or water needs to be shut down, you may be required to provide temporary housing while the repairs are underway. Taking decisive action helps to maintain tenant satisfaction and comfort, while protecting your investment. 


Communicate with Tenants

Proper communication with your tenants is essential when a major repair is necessary. Tenants need to be informed about the issue swiftly, ideally at this time, you can also provide a timeline for the repairs. Notify them of any potential disruptions to their daily lives, such as noise, or parking issues.

It's important to provide your tenants with regular updates on the repair status, especially if there are disruptions to the norm. By keeping your tenants in the loop, landlords can reduce tenant satisfaction, which can avoid conflict. Keep in mind that your local laws can differ in regards to notifications and tenant rights based on county. This can be difficult to keep track of for a new landlord or an investor with a sizable portfolio. Though a property management company can provide you with resources you may lack.


Hire Professionals

Hiring an experienced professional is essential for major repairs. While handymen are a great resource for general maintenance, for problems with electrical, plumbing and other core systems you’ll feel more at ease knowing a professional has the experience in the field. They are also likely to cover their work with some form of warranty which can put your mind at ease. Using experienced professionals can not only provide quality repairs, it also reduces the likelihood of recurring problems, which ultimately protects your investment property’s value in the long run.


Additionally, hiring professionals should provide you with documentation of the work. You should keep records documenting the repair process, including photos of the before and after. As well as keeping detailed logs of labor costs, materials, and other communications for future reference. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims as it provides clear records of expenses related to property maintenance. Maintaining a paper trail is beneficial in case any disputes arise with your tenants or tradesmen too.


When your rental requires major repairs, it's crucial to act fast. By staying proactive and organized, you’ll not only ensure the property is repaired properly, you’ll also maintain a positive relationship with your tenants. If you want to feel a bit more protected from emergency situations 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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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 .
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