Blog Post

Do You Have a Seasonal Checklist for Your Long Beach Rental?

Dustin Edwards • June 26, 2021

A Checklist Can Keep Your Rental in Top Shape

Seasonal Checklist
Although Southern California may not face snowstorms or heavy rainfall, having a seasonal checklist can keep your tenants happy and safe. Everything on your property should always be clean and fully functional. Not to mention, maintaining your property’s appliances and fixtures increases their longevity, therefore saving you money that would otherwise be spent on repairs or replacements. 

Here are a few important rental maintenance items to add to your Long Beach rental’s seasonal checklist. 

Cleaning Rain Gutters
Occasional sprinkles and showers are typical seasonal elements in Long Beach. Over time, rain gutters fill with leaves, sticks, rocks, litter, and more that can cause them to clog. Leaving this debris untouched not only makes it difficult for the gutters to catch rain, but can also cause mold growth, leaking roofs, and rodent infestations. As such, it is important to clean your gutters at least once a year.

Autumn is usually the best time to clean your gutters, especially if your rental property is abounding with trees. Additionally, consider cleaning your gutters (or at least checking on them) after any downpour or windstorm.

Though it may seem daunting, cleaning your gutters is fairly simple as it only requires a few basic tools: a ladder, a small scoop, and a garden hose. 

Once you have all these tools, you can climb up the ladder and use the scoop to remove all the muck. Afterward, rinse out the gutter with a garden hose and it should look good as new! 

Cleaning Dryer Vents
Most rentals with a laundry dryer have an exhaust vent outside the property. This vent propels dust and lint during cycles. These particles can collect within the vent, leading to the growth of mold and creating a fire hazard. Yet, many people neglect to clean their dryer vents on a regular basis. 

To do so, all you need is a scrubbing brush and some cleaning solution (dishwashing soap will suffice). Lather the scrubbing brush in the cleaning solution and run it along the outside exhaust vent, making sure to collect as much dust and lint as possible. Doing so once a year is crucial to maintaining a safe area for your renters to wash and dry their clothes. 

Servicing Heating and Air Conditioning Units
Most Long Beach properties feature furnaces to combat cold winter nights. For those summer heat waves, some also include air conditioning units. It is important that you have any of your rental’s climate control equipment serviced once a year. 

Failure to schedule annual furnace inspections can have dire consequences for your tenants. Faulty furnaces may emit carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas. Installing carbon monoxide detectors across your rental can help avoid any catastrophe. Nevertheless, you should still have your furnace serviced every autumn (before temperatures drop to chilling levels) to further prevent the accumulation of dust and mold in your furnance’s air filter and ensure that the furnace is effectively heating your rental. 

Similarly, air conditioners require annual check-ups to guarantee that they are running to the best of their ability. Most of the time, inspections consist of nothing more than cleaning the air filter of any grime and checking that all the parts are running smoothly. It is best to have your air conditioners serviced around springtime (before temperatures rise to blazing levels). 

To service your heating and air conditioning units, schedule an appointment with your local HVAC repair company or you can even call us for our preferred vendors. 

Servicing Tankless Water Heaters
There are plenty of positives to having a tankless water heater on your rental property. They take up less space, are more environmentally friendly, and save money long-term. Despite this, they do require added care and inspection than storage tank water heaters. 

Since tankless water heaters heat the water as you turn on the faucet, there is room for complication. Thus, plumbers need to check that your tankless water heater is heating properly and at the right temperature. Furthermore, the minerals present in water can impede flow over time, leading to irreversible damage. 

Taking these factors into consideration, you should have your tankless water heater serviced every six months by your local plumbing company. 

Replacing Plants
Plants can be a lovely and charming addition to both the inside and outside of your rental. However, some plants are much more difficult to maintain than others. Finding plants that are both affordable and low-maintenance, such as perennials, succulents, and drought-tolerant plants, can both beautify your Long Beach property and alleviate your seasonal responsibilities. To learn more about these accessible options, check out the following blog post: Low-maintenance Landscaping for Your Long Beach Rental.

Establishing a seasonal checklist is a vital component of property management. If you are looking for assistance with caring for your Long Beach rental, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or you can fill out our Owner Application online.


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: