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

Outdoor Area with Pool
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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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
Summer is a great time of year where people enjoy a number of outdoor activities. Though for landlords, summer brings with it a list of maintenance items and preventative care for their properties. Below, we’ve gathered three of the most important maintenance items to do before summer starts. Service your HVAC System Southern California summers are getting hotter and hotter, if you want to maintain tenant satisfaction you’ll need to have the HVAC or any A/C or cooling system properly serviced . Filters should be cleaned or replaced, and the ductwork should be inspected. For rentals with window units or mini-split systems should also be thoroughly inspected as well for optimal cooling. Doing proactive maintenance can reduce the risk of the cooling system breaking down during peak usage while also improving the system’s efficiency. This can lower utility costs for your tenants while extending the lifespan of your cooling system, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, consider inspecting your window and door seals for leaks. If the seals are broken, it allows hot air into the living space, this increases the cost associated with cooling while adding more load to the HVAC or cooling system. While not directly a part of the HVAC system, ensuring there aren’t any breaks in the seals helps extend the lifespan of your cooling system which is beneficial to your bottom line. Inspect your Roof The condition of a roof is oftentimes ignored since they tend to last over twenty years, and some property owners may not even be sure when the roof was last replaced . A poorly conditioned roof is one of the primary ways for a rental property to drive up the costs of repairs and tenant complaints. A damaged roof can inefficiently insulate a home, making it harder to keep it cool. It can also lead to water leaks during rainfall, which can lead to water damage, stains, and mold growth. While summers tend to be dry, the coastal cities such as Long Beach may see unexpected shifts in weather, which can bring sudden rainstorms or increased humidity. Fixing a small roof leak is relatively inexpensive, however, leaving said leak to grow can result in an emergency repair can cost thousands especially if a tenant has already moved in. A thorough roof inspection is a great maintenance item to do during a vacancy period especially as this can result in a positive experience with new tenants. This can lead to a long term stay with many lease renewals. Check for Signs of Pests Pest infestations are one of the fastest ways to ruin a tenant’s stay while also damaging a landlord’s reputation. Pests such as ants, cockroaches, other bugs, and rodents are common in many beach cities, especially during the warmer seasons. Being in a city, you’ll likely never truly be rid of pests, though, even a single complaint about an excess of bugs or rodent droppings can lead to bad reviews online, service calls, and in severe cases, lease termination. These pests not only create an unwelcome environment for your tenants, but they can also cause real damage to your investment property. Cockroaches are known to damage small wiring in appliances, ants can ruin food and get in everything, while rodents can chew through walls, plumbing, and even electrical wiring. Landlords should schedule regular ppest inspectionsto check for early signs of pest activity before the hotter season begins. Much like everything in this article, preventative maintenance is significantly cheaper than an emergency call, in this case to an exterminator. If you want to keep your tenants happy and your property well taken care of, preventative maintenance is a must. If you’re unsure about the signs to look for when doing routine inspections 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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