Blog Post

If I want to rent my former primary residence, what should I consider about insurance?

Dustin Edwards • May 1, 2020

Take Time to Consider Your Insurance Needs

House Keychain with Keys
One of the ways that many people get into rental property ownership is by keeping their primary residence when they move. We have seen it time and time again. At times people move out of the state and want to keep their asset to allow them to move back. Other times people have stayed in their homes for 10 years and are ready to move to a different local neighborhood and figure others just would love to rent in a nice area that they too have enjoyed.

While we aren’t licensed insurance agents we wanted to share our tips for ensuring you are prepared when it comes to covering your rental property.

Landlord Insurance
This is the equivalent insurance to your homeowners insurance when you start renting your home. This would cover your property in an event such as a fire or other covered catastrophe. When you are looking at landlord insurance compared to your traditional homeowners insurance some of the key differences to consider are the following:
  • Loss of Rents - In the event of a covered catastrophe how long will your loss of rents be covered for? Especially as this is not your primary residence this is a key factor to understand as insurance can then help you pay your mortgage while it is under repair. Many policies will list this as an option, just make sure to ask how long you are covered for in the event a covered incident occurs.
  • Liability Coverage - On your primary residence you may not have given this much thought as after all you and your family are the primary ones on the premises. With your rental property in Long Beach you will want to understand how much coverage you have for liability protection. We recommend speaking with your insurance agent to understand how much is appropriate given your specific scenario.
  • Personal Property - You might be thinking...but it’s a rental, not my property, what would I have there? Especially in Long Beach you might have provided such items as a lawn mower, washer/dryer, or even a refrigerator and these could be covered under the personal property provision. Outline to your insurance agent the items of personal property you have on premises and determine if they are covered.
Umbrella Policy
As an individual property owner you may or may not have an umbrella policy. In simple terms an umbrella policy is additional coverage that can be used when a specific policy (i.e. home, auto) hits a policy limit. Umbrella policies are very common and even if you don’t have a rental property we would suggest that you investigate this type of policy to see if it is right for your situation.

It is generally recommended to have an umbrella policy with a rental property as the aspect of dealing with the unknown on a regular basis can necessitate having an additional layer of insurance protection.

Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is not a policy that you as a rental property owner get; however, understanding that it is available for your tenants can save you awkward conversations. Renters insurance can help your tenants replace items in the event of incidents such as theft. We recommend sharing with your prospective tenants, as part of your welcome packet, that you recommend renters insurance to help them have the best possible experience while they rent from you.

When it comes to insurance there are many aspects to consider as these are just a few of them.  
To help you understand more about your options we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 and we will be happy to share our resources for insurance. Or if you prefer a complete evaluation of your property we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis.

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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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