How To Maximize Rental Income From An ADU

Dustin Edwards • November 7, 2023

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a great way to begin your journey in the real estate business. However, in Long Beach, CA, an ADU can only be listed as a long-term rental, meaning you can’t list it on applications like Airbnb. That said, much like any rental, you will want to maximize the income you can gain from said ADU.


Below, we will share a few tips to help you optimize how to increase your bottom line with an
ADU.


Maintain Property Condition

An ADU, by its nature, sits within your property. This means you cannot allow the ADU or the main home to fall into disrepair. Keeping the rental property in excellent condition is essential for attracting and retaining tenants. The greatest factor in ensuring you're maximizing income is to have tenants. For this reason, you should regularly inspect the property and address maintenance issues promptly. When a property is well maintained, it will enhance its appeal and allow you to justify charging higher rates. Properties that are well maintained also give tenants the confidence and the peace of mind that the property won't cause any issues, and if an issue arises, you, as a landlord, will quickly take care of it.


Screen and Vet Your Tenants

Your tenants will be the ones paying the rent. Therefore, finding tenants who can do so consistently is incredibly important. For this reason, it is best practice to screen and vet potential tenants before the lease is signed. Ensure a thorough tenant screening process, including background and credit checks, employment verification, and landlord references. Thoroughly vetting potential tenants minimizes the risk of issues with timely payments, property damage, or evictions. While you may not find the perfect tenant, at the very least, it's in your best interest to find a reliable one with good references.


Competitive Rental Rates

When renting your ADU, your first instinct may be to charge as much as possible. This may work in some cases, but it's essential to understand that the market can change, requiring you to adjust your rental rates to be more competitive. While a lower rent may result in less income than you desire, having a vacant rental is much worse for your finances. When deciding on your rental rates, consider factors like location, ADU configuration, amenities, and the market demand for an ADU like yours. You can understand its worth by researching apartments with similar amenities and living spaces. The goal is to find a tenant rather than leave the rental vacant. A vacant rental generates no money and often costs money to maintain while not generating income.


Secure Your Property Against Tenant Damage

There are many ways to protect your property from potential damage. This includes tile or hardwood flooring over carpets. While the initial installation may be more expensive, tenants can easily damage, stain, or tear the carpet. Avoid the cost of constant repairs by not using carpets. Natural wear and tear is to be expected. However, prohibiting some home modifications in the lease agreement can significantly reduce the amount of repairs you may need to do once a tenant moves out. This can include not allowing anything heavier than a picture frame to be mounted on a wall. Televisions, towel racks, and shelves are often mounted onto studs, which, if not repaired correctly, can lead to additional damage down the line.


Managing an ADU to maximize your rental income can be a tall task for some. However, this doesn't have to be the case. If you need help with your rental ADU or are looking for a
full-service property management company with experience managing rental ADUs, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online.

Share this post

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
A Solar Battery is an important party of a solar panel system. However, is it valuable for a rental property? Read on to discover.
Show More