How are Rental Properties Performing in the 90808 zip code?

Dustin Edwards • May 21, 2024

An important aspect of real estate is learning how the market shifts. These changes happen often, and there are many variables to keep track of. For instance, at the time of this article, there are about 30 available rentals listed on Zillow in the 90808 zip code. This number can change, especially at the end of a month. 


Below is a summary of rental property performance in the 90808 zip code and the significance of analyzing rental property performance.


Factors that Influence Rent Prices

Several factors can influence rental prices on a rental property. One of these factors is location, as your rent can fluctuate significantly based on how close your rental property is to important locations such as a school, police station, park, shopping center, hospital, etc. Rental properties in places with fewer conveniences may significantly reduce rental asking prices. 


Providing perks to your rental property, such as appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers, as well as private parking, utilities, and smart home features, can also help increase the asking price of a rental. The size of your property will be the most significant contributing factor to rental prices, as large properties will naturally garner higher asking prices.


Average Rent

As of the writing of this article, for the zip code of 90808, the average rent for an 800-square-foot unit is approximately $2500, though this doesn't consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. It's essential to understand how much the average rent is in your rental property's area, as this affects how much a tenant is willing to pay for your rental property. Looking at your property and comparing it to similar properties in size, aesthetic, layout, and age helps you determine how much you can ask for.


While you may want to charge the most amount for rent, it's important to remember that filling a vacancy earns more than trying to maximize monthly income through rent alone. A single month of vacancy can cost, at the very least, an average of $2500 of lost income in addition to any maintenance that may be required, which can take months or years to recover from financially. Comparatively, filling the vacancy at a slightly lower price is still positive. Regular
rental analysis can help minimize vacancy rates and improve your bottom line.


Vacancy Rates

Vacancy rates are significant in determining how the market is performing. Currently, in the 90808 zip code, rental vacancy rates are approximately 2% from 9500 units. Keep this in mind: the more vacancies there are in your area, the lower you can charge for a rental. High vacancy rates can increase competition, as high vacancy rates often mean a surplus of rental properties on the market. As an investor, you must compete far more aggressively to attract high-quality tenants. 


Generally, this means you may need to lower rents, offer move-in
incentives, or both to fill your vacancies. While it may seem ideal to charge as much as possible, keep in mind that it is a delicate balancing act that can greatly affect your income if tenants move out.


Market Trends

Market trends only reflect the market; they just show what has happened and what is likely to occur based on previous data. Understanding market trends helps investors make an informed decision about how much to charge for rent and what types of properties to invest in for the future. It can show the trajectory of asking rental prices, allowing you to make informed decisions. For example whether or not you want to invest in single-family homes, condominiums, apartment complexes, or duplexes.


Suppose you have additional questions on rental properties performing in the 90808 zip code or are looking for assistance managing your Beach City rental property. In that case, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards June 6, 2025
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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 .
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