Blog Post

Smart Property Updates that Can Add Convenience for Your Tenant

Dustin Edwards • June 19, 2021

You Might Find the Smarter the Rental...the Happier the Tenant

Smart Rental
In today’s digital age, technology has become a fundamental aspect of our lives. Especially inside the home. When looking for a new rental, many people want a modern place that incorporates the latest high-tech innovations. 

Updating your Long Beach rental to meet these new standards of living can be crucial to staying competitive and cultivating a convenient space for your tenants.

The following are some of the various technological additions to consider for your Long Beach property to become a smart rental

Smart Bulbs
If you plan to incorporate a smart speaker into your Long Beach rental, you might want to consider installing smart bulbs as well. Smart bulbs are lights that your tenant can turn on and off simply by asking their smart speaker or using their smartphone. Thus, smart bulbs eliminate the need to get up and flip a switch, which is especially convenient when your tenant is already tucked into bed. Tenants can also set up routines for the smart bulbs to regularly turn themselves on and off. 

Furthermore, the most popular smart bulbs brands, such as Philips Hue and NiteBird, are LED lights that can change color. As such, not only are these bulbs energy-efficient, but they can also create vibrant and emotive ambiances for your tenant. 

Smart bulbs range in cost from $15 to $50 on a per bulb basis. It’s not required to add smart bulbs in every room of the house. It is recommended to add them to the rooms that will add the most convenience for the tenant. You might consider the master bedroom, living room, or other highly used areas.

USB Wall Outlets
With all the devices on the market now (smartphones, computers, tablets, smartwatches, etc), it is imperative that your tenant has plenty of electrical outlets. Most of the aforementioned devices do not require standard three-prong plugs to charge. Rather, they can simply plug into USB ports. Installing wall outlets with USB ports adds extra space to ensure that your tenant can charge as many devices as possible. Plus, USB ports tend to charge devices faster and, therefore, conserve energy. 

Altogether, USB wall outlets are one of the easiest ways to improve your rental with a low-cost and relatively simple installation process. 

You can get a 3 pack of USB wall outlets from Home Depot in the $55-$65 range. This is an item, if you are electrically inclined, you could do over a weekend prior to renting out your property. We recommend installing these in bedrooms and maybe one or two in a kitchen (away from water source of course).

Ceiling Fans
Though the sea breeze is usually refreshing enough for Long Beach rentals, there are always those scorching hot days when some extra cooling is necessary. Instead of putting in an air conditioner, installing a few ceiling fans around your property can supply enough fresh air to keep your tenants cool and comfortable.

Additionally, running a ceiling fan throughout the day is an eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative to air conditioners that can notoriously hike up electricity bills and waste energy. Especially since, in Southern California, air conditioning is far from essential. 

Smart Speakers
Over the past few years, smart speakers have grown from an insignificant and unfamiliar item to a staple in many households. Now, there are numerous brands available, most notably Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod. All of them share similar designs and features. And while you might think these are best suited for short term rentals, they can be a match for your long term rental as well.

For starters, smart speakers can play music and podcasts, either by pairing to a bluetooth device (ex: smartphone) or streaming via an internet connection. 

Additionally, they can provide you with quick answers to simple questions. For example, “what is 19 + 89?” 

Smart speakers can also make calls, set timers, recommend recipes, conduct online purchases, and facilitate news updates. Some newer models even incorporate built-in screens that can play films, TV shows, YouTube, music videos, and more. 

Adding a smart speaker to your rental can make it more appealing to your tenant, as it gives them an impressive virtual assistant that will only become more advanced over time. 

Smart speakers range in cost from $30-$60. They are affordable and add a modern touch to your rental.

Upgrading your Long Beach rental to craft a more convenient and modern space will help you stay ahead of the competitors. If you are looking for a property management company to help you with these modernizations, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or you can check out our Free Rental Analysis online

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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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