Rental Property Updates That Might Not Yield Additional Rent

Dustin Edwards • September 28, 2021

Some Updates Can Help Increase Property Value, But Might Not Yield Additional Rent

Rental Property Updates Might Not Add Rental Increase
Typically, landlords invest in property updates to increase the rent for their Long Beach rental. However, there are many other benefits to updating your property, such as adding curb appeal and intriguing potential tenants. Even if they do not increase your rent, the following additions can make your property stand out amongst competitors. 

New Windows
Installing the latest Energy Star qualified windows is a wonderful investment for your Long Beach rental. ​​Not only can they boost the look of your property, but their superior sealing and insulation can also lower energy bills. Though tenants pay the electric bill, this discounted price will act as an added incentive for potential tenants looking at your property. In fact, Energy Star estimates that their single-pane windows save Southern Californians an average of $319 (or 31%) annually on heating and cooling costs. Similarly, they estimate that their double-pane windows save Southern Californians an average of $108 (or 14%) annually. 

Energy Star is the government-supported leader in testing and certifying energy-efficient products to reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. As such, their catalog is the best place to find your Long Beach rental’s next windows. 

Front Door
A charming and tasteful front door can act as an inviting precursor for tenants taking their first step into your Long Beach rental. Although it will not yield a rent increase, a new front door can certainly raise curb appeal. Furthermore, some tenants highly value having a pristine entrance for guests, and a lovely front door can provide that for them. 

Home Depot offers a variety of front door options, including steel, wood, and fiberglass, and has a Door Finder questionnaire to discover the perfect choice for your property. 

Paver Stone Driveway
Similar to an artful front door, a paver stone driveway has excellent curb appeal and makes a fantastic first impression on potential tenants. It can pique their interest, even get them to schedule an appointment to view the property but it is unlikely to provide the yield on rent that you would expect.  Driveways are considered more of "functional" items and a paver stone driveway is a nice upgrade to an aspect that most renters feel should be functional anyway and as a result aren't likely to pay a premium on their rent for it.

If you are still interested in installing a paver stone driveway, we do want to caution that it is an extensive project best done by professionals, such as a local landscaping company. 

Insulation
Many properties in the Long Beach and Lakewood area do not have ceiling insulation as the era that they were developed in did not require it. Insulation can help better regulate your rental’s temperature, thereby lower your tenants’ need for heating and air, which takes some of the pressure off your HVAC system and can improve its longevity. Additionally, the decreased use of heating and air will inevitably reduce your tenants’ electric bill. 

Thus, installing ceiling insulation can be a beneficial investment for both you and your tenants. 

Home Depot has many types of ceiling insulation and also offers free in-home consultations where they can discuss your tenants’ monthly energy costs and give you a quote for the installation. There are plenty of benefits to professional ceiling insulation, such as saving you time and money spent on renting out equipment and safety supplies. 

While they may not be the first property updates that come to mind, the above additions have the potential to make your Long Beach rental unique and distinct. For potential tenants, these improvements can be the deciding factor that makes them choose your rental over another one. 

If you are looking for a property management company to assist you with these updates, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or you can check out our Free Rental Analysis online

Share this post

By Dustin Edwards May 17, 2025
Have you considered including utilities in your rent? Here are some of the most common utilities that help tenants see a greater value on renting your property
By Dustin Edwards May 8, 2025
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 .
By Dustin Edwards April 30, 2025
Do you own multiple properties with sufficient
Show More