Blog Post

Maintenance Items for Beach Front Properties

Dustin Edwards • August 2, 2023

Maintenance is inescapable regardless of what kind of property you own. However, beachfront property maintenance is a bit more involved due to the proximity to the ocean. Not only will you need to keep in mind the added corrosion of the salt in the air, but you’ll also need to consider the added moisture, winds, and sun.


Today, we will give you a list of seven maintenance items you should prioritize for beachfront properties.


Preventative Rain and Storm Maintenance

Southern California has fallen into a pattern of severe drought followed by extremely wet weather. For this reason, it's important to ensure your beachfront home is ready for any condition. Typically, you’ll want to check your roof for leaks or any inconsistency every three years. It's recommended that homeowners inspect their rain gutters and drainage systems yearly. Especially after dealing with a drought, many elements of these systems are overlooked when the state is dealing with a drought.


Saltwater Corrosion Control

Corrosion caused by the ocean salt can feel unavoidable at beachfront properties. However, there are many ways for landlords to protect their investment properties from the salt. It's a good idea to visually inspect the property, whether yourself or a professional, to check for areas that commonly corrode due to the salt. Metal hardware will frequently seize or begin to squeak if they’re not lubricated regularly. Although a spray of WD-40 can suffice for most applications, it's recommended to use marine sprays and lubricants made for homes on the beach. If the hardware has begun to rust, you may need to replace it or coat it with an anti-rust coating.


HVAC Maintenance

HVAC systems on beachfront properties usually require more maintenance than properties inland. Wind can blow sand and saltwater into an HVAC unit, causing a much shorter lifespan. While there are some preventative measures you can take, such as protecting the HVAC unit from the elements with covers and fencing, you’ll need to inspect the unit more often than with non beachfront properties.


Pest Control

Many pests prefer moist environments, making beachfront properties a perfect nesting ground for cockroaches, rodents, ants, termites, and more. These pests can cause thousands of dollars in damages if left unchecked. Inspecting for pests should be done regularly every three months or whenever a tenant notices them. It's important to ensure they are taken care of quickly, as the longer they are allowed to infest a property, the harder it is to get rid of them.


Mold and Mildew Control

Moisture from the beach also provides a great environment to grow mold and mildew. Not only should you inspect the home for fungal growth, but you should also ensure bathroom exhaust fans are working properly. Because salt and moisture can get into the motor of bathroom fans, these should be inspected regularly. Depending on the humidity levels, homes may need monthly inspections for mold and mildew. 


Safety Device Inspection

It's common for people to forget about their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when living in beachfront properties. Yet these are life-saving devices that need to be in working condition. Moisture can cause these devices to short-circuit or batteries to corrode. It is best practice to inspect the devices monthly and ensure there are extra batteries if necessary.


Inspect the Exterior Paint

Being right next to the ocean can be relaxing. Nevertheless you should ensure the exterior paint can keep up with the beach weather. There is little protection from the sun next to the beach, and heavy winds can make sand act like an abrasive when hitting your home. For this reason, exterior paint tends to flake more often. Paint isn’t just to maintain curb appeal; it acts as a barrier to the elements. This means even high-quality paint may need to get touched up, or the home may require a repaint as often as four or five years.


Keeping up with beachfront property maintenance can be a handful but well worth it. If you need help managing your beachfront maintenance, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.


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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
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