Blog Post

4 Landscaping Tips for Your Long Beach Rental

Dustin Edwards • February 8, 2020

Help Attract Tenants and Keep Maintenance Costs Low

Efficient Landscaping for Your Long Beach Rental
Landscaping isn’t generally one of the items that property owners consider when they are looking to rent but it does have an impact in attracting tenants and maintenance costs. Whether you are renting your own property or enlisting a property management company consider these four tips to help your property today. 

Tip #1 Curb Appeal

Annually Better Homes & Gardens has it’s “Top Front Yards” feature and while it certainly would be a feel good to land in that issue we wouldn’t suggest that you strive for that with your rental property. To attract and maintain great tenants consider landscaping that features a select number of items to grab attention and truly add to the curb appeal of your property. Consider just a few key features if you are refreshing your landscape such as simple LED lighting to a layer of fresh bark in your planter box.

Tip #2: Keep it Simple

In Southern California we traditionally have drought conditions. While the lush landscaping of grass and vibrant plants might be what you desire consider the more robust your landscaping the more difficult and costly it will be too maintain. We aren’t suggesting that you rip out all of your existing landscaping for a yard that resembles a desert; however, consider optimizing the yard for low water usage and a select amount of plants to allow for easier upkeep over time.

Tip #3: Gardener as part of the Rental Amount

It certainly would be wonderful if every tenant that rented a property had a passion for yard work but that isn’t always the case. To keep the landscaping of your rental looking great throughout every season we invite you to consider having a gardener as part of your monthly rental amount. We have found this is a sure-fire way to keep your landscaping in great care because gardening is far more than simply mowing the lawn. A gardener can tackle items such as weeding, trimming plants, mulch, and even sprinkler repair. When we advertise homes for rent in Long Beach, and our owners agree with having a gardener, we market the property as having the utility of gardener included. Including a gardener can separate your rental from other Long Beach rentals in the market.

If you are considering having a gardener as part of your monthly rental feel free to ask us what the monthly investment would be as it can vary depending on the size and complexity of your landscaping.

Tip #4: Consider Automated Systems to Help Your Tenant and the Environment

In today’s era of smart appliances, thermostats, refrigerators there are even smart sprinkler controllers. It is not one that often jumps to the top of the list as it is a bit more entertaining to think of the Ring doorbell showing you your latest package from Amazon but there is a reason to consider a smart sprinkler controller. Smart sprinkler controllers can help you in two key areas of your rental property in Long Beach.

  1. Care of Your Yard - Landscaping is one of the first elements that will draw people in to your home to rent so if the grass is dead then people aren’t likely to rent because they will take the dead grass as a sign of how the home is cared for. A smart sprinkler can ensure consistent watering to keep your grass looking sharp all year round while still capitalizing on the wet weather for conservation.
  2. Tenant Retention - A smart sprinkler controller can help reduce water usage by as much as 50%. This is excellent for the environment and can contribute to tenant retention. Who isn’t going to want to keep their water utility bill low! After all who is going to want to move if they love their location and their utilities are lower than they anticipated.

Of course we can always help get a smart sprinkler installed with our professional gardeners or handymen available. If you want to evaluate what smart irrigation timers are available consider ones from Rachio or Rainbird.

When we come to evaluate our owners rentals we are happy to provide tips on landscaping. We want you to live worry-free knowing your property is well taken care of from the aspect of collecting the rent to the care of your yard. Find out today how much your property could rent for and even request that we share our advice on your landscaping by filling out out our Free Rental Analysis.

Share this post

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 .
Show More
Share by: