Blog Post

How to be Helpful to Your Tenants Right from the Start

Dustin Edwards • March 6, 2020

Being Helpful Can Keep Tenants Happy and Renting Longer

Welcome Packet for Tenants
As a rental property owner in Long Beach when you think about your asset you are likely thinking about the current rental market, what could be needed to maintain your asset, if it is time to consider a rental increase. While all of these are natural thoughts, your rental property won’t mean much with a great tenant!  

When you own (or manage) rental property you are not only concerned with the asset but you should be concerned about your tenant(s). We have found that when you treat tenants right they often will enjoy the property for years which is great for them and excellent for you as the owner.  

When a tenant first moves in, consider developing a “welcome packet” that includes key information that can help them adjust to their new home. Your welcome packet could include helpful items ranging from popular local restaurants, nuances about the appliances, or just helpful tips. This welcome packet can be a key part to help them stay longer as it shows you care about the total experience of living at the property. To help you on your path of developing your own welcome packet we invite you to consider developing a cheat sheet of the following items:

Renters Insurance
As a rental owner you likely have at least your primary property insurance as well as even an umbrella policy on your property, but what do your renters have in place? For many renting a property they might not be familiar with the concept of renters insurance. Consider taking the time to provide a small write up of the benefits of renters insurance to include in your welcome packet and then providing a few recommendations. Many of the top carriers (Geico, Allstate, Statefarm, etc.) provide renters insurance as an option which makes it easy to obtain. If you have developed insurance agents as part of your key vendor list then consider providing those names to your renters.

Street Sweeping and Trash Days
Few items are as frustrating as getting moved in, getting up to go to work and then pulling a ticket off of your car as you didn’t know that “Thursday” was street-sweeping day. To help alleviate potential frustration share with your new tenants what day street sweeping will occur and what day trash pickup is to ensure tenants don’t have to learn the hard way. You can also assist your tenant by providing them a list of the trash company for set-up and the phone number of the city if they are the ones who handle street sweeping.

List of Utility Companies
Yes most people can use their phone to quickly Google and/or look up the local utility companies, but why not make it a bit easier for them? Long Beach makes it easy with the utilities listed at on the Long Beach Government website and while you might think that is easy if someone is moving from out of state or even a different city from LA or Orange County it can help save them time.

Number(s) to Call When in Need
A key item to add to your cheat sheet is what phone number will a tenant call when something troublesome occurs (think water heater dies or toilet clogged). When you are managing your own property this might be your phone number but what happens if it is 2am? As a property management company we have traditional operating hours as well as back-up to support our tenants 24-hours a day. While you might not have a 24-hour service consider locating key vendors (i.e. plumbing and heating) that you trust that have 24-hour support and see if they will allow a tenant call when in need.

Your welcome packet will develop over the years as you determine what helps make the process as easy as possible for tenants to move into your property. When you want to hear how we on-board tenants to our client’s properties please call us at (562) 888-0247 and we will be happy to share how bring happy tenants to each property under management.

And if you would like to discover how much we feel your property could rent for, simply request our Free Rental Analysis.

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By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards November 4, 2024
Owning a rental property in a beach city like Long Beach, CA , offers a number of advantages, like great weather and a strong real estate market. However, the cold ocean breezes can pose some challenges for landlords and tenants, making it convenient for property managers . Although the weather is generally great, these ocean breezes can sometimes make properties drafty and uncomfortable during the fall and winter seasons. Today we’ll go over four measures that can improve tenant comfort and protect your investment from the cold ocean breezes. Weatherproofing Againsts Drafts Drafts are caused by gaps between doors and windows which can make a rental feel colder than it is. This leads to unnecessary energy use and tenant discomfort. Sealing these gaps is not difficult and quite doable for a landlord who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Replacing worn weatherstripping and adding fresh caulking to seal minor gaps blocks air from permeating the property. For additional protection from drafts, you can provide your tenant with inexpensive door sweeps. Improve Heating Efficiency Having efficient heating is crucial to countering the cooler ocean breezes while keeping costs low. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system , such as replacing filters, cleaning vents, and cleaning the compressor to keep it running smoothly. This not only provides more efficient heating, it also extends the life of your HVAC system. Installing a smart thermostat is another way for tenants to adjust heating schedules efficiently. Protect Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and even porches can oftentimes be exposed to the coastal breezes. This can be an issue in the long run, especially for rentals next to the beach , as the wind can carry sand and salt, which can accelerate the deterioration of metals, wood, and paint. This can be mitigated by adding windbreaks to the property, such as lattice panels or outdoor curtains, to create a more comfortable and functional outdoor space. Exterior finishes will require more frequent maintenance. This includes resealing wood and metal surfaces. As well as repainting is important to protect against wear from salt, sand, and moisture. Wind Mitigating Landscaping Much like with the curtains and lattice previously talked about, the landscaping can also be used as a windbreak. For example, planting wind-resistant shrubs or trees alongside exposed areas creates a natural barrier. This helps reduce the impact of the gusts of wind hitting the property. Many native plants thrive in coastal climates while also requiring minimal maintenance. While expensive, the results can greatly improve your rental’s longevity and curb appeal. Alternatively, you can strategically place planters to provide protection. Durable Furniture Furniture and fixtures exposed to the cold coastal breezes need to be able to withstand that wear and tear. Choose resilient materials such as treated wood, powder-coated metals, and outdoor-rated plastics. These are less prone to being damaged by the salt or wind. Furniture that is lightweight should be secured or anchored in place to prevent it from being blown away. By investing in durable furnishing, you can provide tenants with a comfortable and functional outdoor space for years to come. Protecting your beach city property from the cold ocean breeze doesn't necessarily require extensive renovations or investments. Try to focus on any relevant feedback from your tenant, this can help you pinpoint what part of your rental needs attention. If you need additional help protecting your rental property from the cold ocean breezes or if you need help managing 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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