Small Storage Updates to Help Keep Your Tenants Happy for the Long Term
Dustin Edwards • July 31, 2020
Small Storage Solutions Can Go A Long Way
Compared with other states, Southern California homes are generally looked at as “small”. A typical home available for rent in Long Beach can be around 1,200 sq ft-1,500 sq ft. Long time residents of Long Beach are used to these sizes. As a family grows the size of a home and storage can be a challenge.
For some landlords the answer is “there are nearby storage facilities” and while that is true we invite you to consider a few options that just might keep your tenant happy and not have them looking for a larger home.
Closet Upgrades
With a large portion of the homes in Long Beach built in the 1920’s, 1940’s, and 1960’s the closets can be tiny and often feature just a single closet rod. To help tenants envision themselves in the property for the long haul consider updating the closet to allow for more efficient storage of clothing. Incorporating drawers and multiple levels of closet rods is one method to increase storage in small closets. Solutions from places such as California Closet, the Container Store and Home Depot you can change a small closet dramatically for $400-$800.
If you are nervous about committing to an upgrade consider changing the closet in the main bedroom first and see how a tenant responds. When showing prospective new tenants, ask them their thoughts about the closet or have your property management company get feedback. The feedback will provide you with information to see if it warrants expanding the organization efforts to other closets throughout the house.
Laundry Room
The laundry room is one of those areas that is traditionally a “catch all”. Besides the washer and dryer there can be an awkward set of hangers, vacuum, broom and of course laundry supplies. In Long Beach and Lakewood the laundry rooms can be near the kitchen or even in the garage. Optimized solutions in a laundry room can be as simple as a storage rail
to hang common items (brooms, dust pans, etc.) or even wall mounted cabinets. A laundry room is a high value to a tenant as it saves time and money when compared to the laundry mat which means taking a bit of time to invest in this room can keep your tenant happy for years.
Storage Shed
While the majority of homes in Long Beach have garages there are those odds and ends that can often be easily accommodated in a shed, especially if your tenants are parking their car(s) in the garage. With plastic and wood shed options available there are affordable options for shed solutions that are even under $400. Taking the small investment to put a shed on the property can help a tenant see that you are providing options to allow them to truly enjoy the property.
When it comes to storage solutions often just a little bit goes a long way. To help you determine what could be best for your property to empower tenants to rent for longer periods we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247. Or if you prefer a complete evaluation of your property we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis.
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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 .
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