Home Updates that Could Lower Your Insurance

Dustin Edwards • May 30, 2022

Lower Your Insurance and Update Your Home

Insuring your Long Beach rental property is necessary to protect your investment. Every insurance company's costs and coverage is different which means it is essential to contact your insurance agent before you commit to any changes in your rental property that you would expect could lower your rates. Your insurance agent should let you know what discounts are available and could be applied to your Long Beach rental property. 


If you are wondering what property upgrades could lower your insurance rates consider the following:


Home Security System

Modern technology has made securing your Long Beach rental easier and more affordable. Many home security systems connect directly to your mobile phones and computers. There are plenty of options for security systems from traditional ones like ADT to modern, consumer friendly companies such as SimplySafe or Cove which are known to have flexible payment options, no contracts and customizable systems.


Keep in mind that home security systems are more common for a single family home personal residence. A tenant may not want to pay for the service so you as a landlord may want to opt for a security system to keep both your property and your tenant safe.


Leak Detection System

A leak detection system monitors water flow through a pipeline, until irregular behavior is detected. The system cuts off the water to the property by closing a valve inside the leak detector. Preventing major leaks and water damage to your Long Beach rental property. Many modern units can be connected to smartphones and tablets, notifying you if there are any abnormalities within your water flow even when you're not home.


Leak detection systems can sell on average for $500 - $2,000 depending on what system is being installed.
MOEN and LeakSmart are great examples of smart leak detectors with automatic water shut off. Hiring a plumber is recommended to install the system which can add an additional cost of $200 - $500, but can prevent thousands of dollars in damages if a leak goes unchecked. 


Replacing your Roof

Roofs are the first line of defense from weather in a home and may be the biggest impact on your insurance. Regular inspections of your rental properties roof’s condition is recommended once every 3 years for newly finished roofs. Or  every year if it's nearing its 20 year lifespan. If you are unsure of the age of the roof, it is recommended you do yearly inspections. If you begin to notice the condition of the roof faltering, replacing the rental property roof with a new roof can prevent water damage in the home and could lower your insurance rates drastically.


Smart Home Technology

Some insurance companies may offer policy credits and discounts if your rental has smart home devices installed. Ask your insurance agent if installing smart home devices in your Long Beach rental qualifies for said discounts. Aside from discounts a “smart home” offers valuable security when incorporating smart locks, security cameras and gas or water leak detectors. Making “smart home” upgrades a great investment which can save on insurance.


Upgrading Wiring, and Plumbing

Many single family homes in Long Beach CA were built in the 1940’s making the home systems outdated for modern living. Replacing aging plumbing can reduce the chance of water leaks or sewage leaks which can be expensive and leave an off putting odor. Older homes sometimes use aluminum wires or knob and tube wiring which are exposed wires running through the attic and within walls. Over time the insulation on the wires begins to falter which can lead to electrical fires. A great rental property electrical upgrade to reduce this risk is a partial or full rewiring of the property. Modern copper wires can help reduce and prevent these kinds of accidents. Electrical fires and water damage being two of the most frequently filed homeowner insurance claims. 


If you have any questions about other updates or you need a referral for an insurance agent who is familiar with rental properties we invite you to call us at (562) 888-0247 or feel free to fill out our
free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.

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By Dustin Edwards June 6, 2025
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 .
By Dustin Edwards May 30, 2025
Summer is a great time of year where people enjoy a number of outdoor activities. Though for landlords, summer brings with it a list of maintenance items and preventative care for their properties. Below, we’ve gathered three of the most important maintenance items to do before summer starts. Service your HVAC System Southern California summers are getting hotter and hotter, if you want to maintain tenant satisfaction you’ll need to have the HVAC or any A/C or cooling system properly serviced . Filters should be cleaned or replaced, and the ductwork should be inspected. For rentals with window units or mini-split systems should also be thoroughly inspected as well for optimal cooling. Doing proactive maintenance can reduce the risk of the cooling system breaking down during peak usage while also improving the system’s efficiency. This can lower utility costs for your tenants while extending the lifespan of your cooling system, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, consider inspecting your window and door seals for leaks. If the seals are broken, it allows hot air into the living space, this increases the cost associated with cooling while adding more load to the HVAC or cooling system. While not directly a part of the HVAC system, ensuring there aren’t any breaks in the seals helps extend the lifespan of your cooling system which is beneficial to your bottom line. Inspect your Roof The condition of a roof is oftentimes ignored since they tend to last over twenty years, and some property owners may not even be sure when the roof was last replaced . A poorly conditioned roof is one of the primary ways for a rental property to drive up the costs of repairs and tenant complaints. A damaged roof can inefficiently insulate a home, making it harder to keep it cool. It can also lead to water leaks during rainfall, which can lead to water damage, stains, and mold growth. While summers tend to be dry, the coastal cities such as Long Beach may see unexpected shifts in weather, which can bring sudden rainstorms or increased humidity. Fixing a small roof leak is relatively inexpensive, however, leaving said leak to grow can result in an emergency repair can cost thousands especially if a tenant has already moved in. A thorough roof inspection is a great maintenance item to do during a vacancy period especially as this can result in a positive experience with new tenants. This can lead to a long term stay with many lease renewals. Check for Signs of Pests Pest infestations are one of the fastest ways to ruin a tenant’s stay while also damaging a landlord’s reputation. Pests such as ants, cockroaches, other bugs, and rodents are common in many beach cities, especially during the warmer seasons. Being in a city, you’ll likely never truly be rid of pests, though, even a single complaint about an excess of bugs or rodent droppings can lead to bad reviews online, service calls, and in severe cases, lease termination. These pests not only create an unwelcome environment for your tenants, but they can also cause real damage to your investment property. Cockroaches are known to damage small wiring in appliances, ants can ruin food and get in everything, while rodents can chew through walls, plumbing, and even electrical wiring. Landlords should schedule regular ppest inspectionsto check for early signs of pest activity before the hotter season begins. Much like everything in this article, preventative maintenance is significantly cheaper than an emergency call, in this case to an exterminator. If you want to keep your tenants happy and your property well taken care of, preventative maintenance is a must. If you’re unsure about the signs to look for when doing routine inspections 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 .
By Dustin Edwards May 27, 2025
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