There are many similarities between renting a property in a beach city and an inland city. Some obvious ones such as rent prices based on location or curb appeal differences. Equally, though, there are some more nuanced differences to keep in mind, such as amenities, coastal climates, and tourists.
In today’s article, we’ll discuss the differences between renting a beach city property to long-term tenants.
One of the major differences is how you market a rental in a beach city to make it stand out. Remind the potential tenant that this is a beach city property, including references to key features such as “ocean views” or “relaxing atmosphere.” If the property is near the ocean, use that to your advantage. State that the rental has direct access to the coast or is a short walk/drive away. Naturally, there will be some crossover in how a property is marketed compared to a city such as Los Angeles. However, cities such as Long Beach, CA, have many desirable locations to visit and many outdoor activities not found in cities inland. Find what works for you and adjust accordingly.
Because of the vast activities and beautiful views, beach cities tend to have many tourists. While the tourist industry is a major selling point for beach cities, it makes listing a rental different. You’ll want to remember that your listing specifies looking for long-term tenants. However, the presence of tourist activity can affect local communities, especially during peak tourist seasons. This means more traffic and louder environments. While not possible in every situation, dedicated parking can help tenants avoid dealing with the uptick in vehicles on the street. Ideally, providing some levels of sound deadening is recommended to help mitigate additional noises. This way, tenants can return to their peaceful homes, away from tourist crowds.
Rental costs may fluctuate based on proximity to the beach and seasonal demand. This can be incredibly lucrative if taken advantage of. However, the timing needs to be nearly perfect. For this, it's best to attempt to find tenants when rates are higher. Assuming you or your property management company have a typical one-year lease contract, you can either raise your tenant’s rent based on the following year’s rates or search for another tenant during these ideal rates. This can be tricky to do and is why we recommend you have the assistance of a property management company, as they typically have more resources.
Properties may offer specialized amenities in beach cities, including beach access, waterfront views, or proximity to coastal attractions. It's important to highlight amenities that cater to long-term residents, such as community spaces, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities. You can provide private outdoor areas in the rental to enjoy the weather, such as a patio or outdoor grill. With many activities in beach cities, something as simple as a small closet for storing surfboards, bikes, or other outdoor gear may be a great selling point.
Beach cities may also have specific regulations related to coastal living. This can include items such as environmental restrictions and flood preparedness. This can also mean additional requirements when upgrading core systems in your home, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Property management companies can often help in these situations to save you time and overall money.
If you are interested in listing your beach city rental or need help managing your rental in a beach city, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.
