Making the Most of the Pool with Your Long Beach Rental
Dustin Edwards • July 17, 2020
An Outdoor Pool Area Can Keep Your Tenants Happy for Years
Even in Southern California, and Long Beach in particular, we have a few “hot” days. Nearby areas such as Palm Springs or Valencia might not classify our days as hot however when temperatures reach the high 80’s and low 90’s it certainly can inspire a desire to cool down.
When tenants are looking for a great home to rent, one of the items that can be on their list is that of a pool. If you own a rental in the Long Beach neighborhoods of Plaza (East and West), Los Altos (North and South) or Bixby Knolls then you have a high probability of having a pool with your rental. Tenants looking to rent in these neighborhoods can be willing to pay more (and even rent for longer periods) because the home has a pool.
Creating a True Outdoor Area
While a pool may be the center of attention in the yard it is not the only item that will create an enjoyable area outdoors. Having your pool contribute to a higher monthly rental income means having it be a part of a larger “outdoor area” where a tenant can envision themselves enjoying many a day for years to come.
Eating Area
Generally people aren’t knocking down their Olympic training routine in a backyard pool. While some may enjoy swimming laps the pool is often used as a hub for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors on warm summer days. To help your tenants enjoy the outdoor space consider putting out a nice table with an umbrella to allow them to relax while others enjoy pool time.
A BBQ is often a feature you will see in a short-term rental because an owner of a short-term rental wants that tenant to enjoy their home just like a hotel property but that doesn’t stop you from doing the same with your long-term rental. Consider placing a BBQ and don’t forget to identify in the lease that it is property associated with your rental. It is also recommended to outline cleaning guidelines for the barbecue.
Fire Pit
When night falls you don’t want your tenant feeling like they have to go inside. Fire pits come in options of natural gas, propane, and wood. For rentals we would recommend the lower maintenance propane version as they tend to put out warmth without the wide range of flames that a wood pit can produce. Many propane versions can take the same style tanks as BBQs. To help your tenant maximize their enjoyment of the fire pit consider having seating specific to the fire pit area.
Privacy Fence or Landscaping
As you evaluate the pool area with your Long Beach rental
take note of the fencing around the property. Does foliage provide a layer of privacy? Often a wonderful row of foliage is the best match to create additional cost effective privacy, but take time to explore your options to create the best possible experience for the area surrounding the pool.
Safety Consideration
One item that is raised on home inspections, but sometimes forgotten if the home has been a rental for some time, is that of the requirement of a fence around the pool. A fence around the pool, while an investment, is a requirement
and helps everyone enjoy the benefits of the pool with added safety when smaller children are present.
When it comes to knowing if a pool will help the value of your rental the answer truly is going to be “it depends”. Each neighborhood and property will be different and it takes a bit of analysis and understanding of the local rental trends to determine how it will impact the monthly rent that is collected. When you want to understand how the pool at your property (whether it be a single family home, condo, or multi-unit) impacts the rent we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis or call us today (562) 888-0247 and we will be happy to share more.
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Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof 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 .
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