Long Beach Rental Listings: What Should They Look Like?

Dustin Edwards • January 13, 2023

The Way To Show Off Your Rental Listing

As a property manager or landlord, creating property rental listings are a normal part of the job. But when you’re marketing your rental property, a quality listing can play a key role in the success of the rental and in attracting potential renters. A great listing can even influence how much a renter is willing to pay. Whether you’re writing your first listing ever or your 100th listing, here are some tips you can use to maximize potential inquiries.


Use Great Photos

Good photos of your property can be a great way to attract future tenants and help you stand out in a competitive market. In an ideal situation, you should hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your rental. Such professionals understand how lighting, staging, and color combinations can make a normal room look outstanding.


If you’re working with a budget, you can also take good photos yourself. All you need is a digital camera but a smartphone with a modern camera will also do the job. You should also have a tripod to keep the camera steady and avoid blurriness. Investing in this equipment will be a great idea if you have other rental properties you want to list as well.


Always take photos during the day and use natural light whenever possible. Be sure to get a variety of angles and shots, including close-ups and wide-angle shots. Make sure to remove any clutter, add some colorful throw pillows or decorations, and use a few pieces of art to add a touch of personality to the room.


Be Detailed

To write a good rental listing, first, identify the features that make your unit unique and will intrigue potential renters. This includes features such as nearby public transportation, grocery stores, schools, and parks. Also mention any upgrades or renovations that you’ve made to the property, such as new appliances, updated bathrooms, and so on.


It’s important to be as honest as possible and provide accurate information. If the unit is not in the best condition or has certain restrictions or limitations, honesty is the best policy. Potential renters will appreciate the transparency and it will help establish a good relationship between landlord and renter.


Highlight the Strengths

Always make sure to highlight the strengths of the rental. This could include the size of the unit, the quality of the appliances, or any other amenities included in the unit. Make sure to always mention the positives and provide specific details about the features that make the rental unique. When taking photos of each room, make sure to include any interesting features like fireplaces, built-in shelving, or large windows. 


The final step is to provide any additional information about the property that may be important for potential renters. This could include information about pet policies, parking availability, or any other features that could be a deciding factor for a potential tenant. Once these three elements are covered, your description of the rental's unique properties should be complete.


Rental Requirements

A rental listing should clearly state what kind of tenant the landlord is looking for. This should include the renter's credit score and background check requirements, income level, and any other special requirements that the landlord may have. Also, make sure to list any restrictions on pets, smoking, and other activities that may be prohibited in the rental unit. When possible, outline the rental terms such as the monthly rent, security deposit, and any other fees that may be charged.


Call to Action

The purpose of a listing is to get people to come by and see it, or to make inquiries to you. Always end your listing with detailed information on how to contact you, how to tour the unit, and how to apply for it. You can even include an application attachment and email address for where they should forward their information to you.

You want your listing to be a mix of information a tenant will want, but you also want your listing to inspire curiosity. Make it attractive and write about it in an honest but exciting way. This will help future tenants envision themselves living at the rental, and hopefully reach out for a tour.


If you are considering listing your Long Beach rental property and need some help, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247, or feel free to fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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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
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