Blog Post

Preparing Your Long Beach Rental for Rain

Dustin Edwards • January 25, 2022

Getting Your Rental Rain Ready Is Important For Your Tenants

When you live in Southern California many newer landlords tend to forgo preparing their rental property for the rainy season. Due to the irregularity of rain in Long Beach many properties aren't ready to handle the changing volumes of rain throughout the year.


There are many ways to prepare your property to efficiently take on the rain. However, depending on the age of the property there are some preparations that take priority over others.


Below are some of the upgrades and fixes you as a landlord should consider when preparing your Long Beach rental for the rain.


The Roof of Your Rental

The first line of defense from rain damage in the rental is making sure there are no leaks or other damage on it’s roof. The average lifespan of a new roof is usually 20 years, it is recommended to have an inspection of your roof every 3 years if the roof is still relatively new and has not been through harsh weather (thankfully we are in Southern California which means we aren’t exposed to weather that is too harsh). 


For older roofs an inspection is recommended every 1 to 2 years. Keep in mind that the older the roof has become the more likely it could leak due to the cumulative damage it’s had over its lifespan. If you are unsure of the age of the roof then having a yearly inspection is recommended.


The average cost of a roof inspection In Southern California can cost around $250 and in some cases more depending on the property's square footage. Although having to pay for a visual inspection can seem like an unnecessary expense, the amount of money saved from being prepared can be in the thousands when compared to the damage a roof leak could cause to your rental.


Rain Gutters

Rain gutters are incredibly versatile in protecting your rental from rain. Rain gutters may cost as little as $7 a foot for vinyl gutters, $11 a foot for aluminum, $13 a foot for copper and $25 a foot for galvanized steel. As with inspecting your roof, it is recommended to regularly inspect your gutters if they are over 10 years old.


For the small upfront cost, the amount of protection rain gutters provide extends to several key aspects of the exterior of your home.. They add protection to your exterior walls by limiting the amount of erosion caused by water due to it being redirected, and by changing the water flow you also protect your foundation from long term damage as well. 


By reducing the amount of standing water on your roof you also minimize damage done to the roof increasing its longevity. As well as avoid growing mold and helping keep your home pest free as standing water is typically where mosquitoes lay their eggs.


Drainage System

Rain water drain systems are another great way to redirect rainwater away from your rental. Rain water drain system is the network of structures, channels, and pipes underground that carry rainwater to larger bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and rivers. This network consists of a public and private system that are separate from the system which carries waste and sewage.


The installation of rain water drainage can be relatively expensive much like every other project to protect your rental from rain, the cost may vary depending on materials and labor. On average the cost expected for property owners is $4000.


Smart Sprinkler Controller

The importance of keeping your tenant happy can not be overstated, a small investment in a smart sprinkler controller can keep lawn care in the minds of tenants. With smart controllers you have the ability to set up watering schedules not only based on seasons, but also based on local weather. Savings to the water utility bill can be noticeable immediately.


The average cost between smart sprinkler controllers is $140 for an orbit B-hyve to $260 for a Rachio 3, with some of the major differences being the number of zones they can control (8 to 16) and their compatibility with Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa or Google assistant.


Protecting your Long Beach rental from water damage is a great way to keep maintenance costs down, and keep your property occupied for years. Call us at (562) 888-0247 if you have any questions about protecting your rental from rain water damage or find out what your property could rent for by simply filling out our
rental value form today.

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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
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 .
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