Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Wiring

Dustin Edwards • July 30, 2024

Most people never think about electricity until something happens to it. If your rental begins to blow fuses or trip breakers, it may mean you need to upgrade your electrical wiring. 


While an expensive investment, today, we’ll discuss the top three reasons why you should upgrade your wiring.



#1 Safety

Electrical fires are incredibly dangerous and often destroy a home or building. Old or faulty wiring is a significant cause of these. While modern wires are designed to last well over 50 years, older wiring is insulated with cloth. This wiring can deteriorate and break down, exposing the live wires and creating a potential fire hazard. Many insurance companies won’t insure properties that use knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring, the standard in the early 1900s, or charge extra for coverage on older wiring. If your rental was built as late as the 1960s, there is a possibility that K&T was used. Upgrading the wiring in your rental can greatly minimize these risks. The insulation used in modern wiring is far more durable and flexible. It’s designed to handle higher electrical loads when compared to older wiring and provide better protection against overheating and short circuits.


Just because your investment appeared to be wired correctly when you purchased it doesn't mean the electrical system complies with current electrical codes. It's not uncommon for properties to be wired haphazardly by a handyman or for work to be done without a permit. For this reason, it's a good idea to have your rental electrical inspected properly, as failing can risk putting your property and tenants at risk.


#2 Improved Electrical Performance

Although modern electronics have become increasingly efficient, older homes weren’t built with modern electrical needs in mind. In today’s age, where everything is becoming electric, the demand for more power has never been greater. As technology advances, households use more electrical devices, from kitchen appliances to electric cars. Upgrading the electrical wiring ensures the electrical system can handle the increased demand. This upgrade can prevent circuit overload and provide a stable power supply for all devices.


Outdated electrical systems are prone to frequent issues such as blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, and power fluctuations. These problems can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to your tenants. Modern wiring systems are more reliable and robust, providing a consistent power supply and reducing the likelihood of electrical faults. This improvement enhances the overall living experience for your tenants, making it an invaluable investment.


#3 Increased Property Value

Upgrading the wiring in your rental property can be a significant selling point for potential buyers when you decide to sell the investment property. Buyers look for properties that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also renovated and safe. Upgrading the wiring demonstrates that you, as the property owner, have invested in the property's infrastructure. This helps to ensure it meets current safety standards. These investments help make your property more attractive to potential buyers as there is a lower likelihood of facing electrical issues in the immediate future. Additionally, a property with updated wiring can command a higher rent price, attracting more interest from prospective tenants.


Upgrading your wiring can be a smart long-term investment for your rental property. By modernizing your electrical wiring, you lower the potential maintenance of these systems. It can also reduce the risk of a late-night emergency that requires immediate repairs. This proactive approach can prevent costly electrical maintenance. Additionally, it can extend the lifespan of the electrical systems. A well-maintained and updated electrical system can increase the overall longevity of the property. Upgrading your wiring not only enhances the current conditions for your tenants but also ensures that your property maintains its value for years to come.


Home electricity is one of the most important systems we rarely think about. Yet, if left ignored, it can lead to dire consequences. If you need help inspecting your rental’s electrical wiring or managing your Beach City property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.

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When To Include Utilities in Your Monthly Rent

By Dustin Edwards • May 17, 2025
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5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Rental's Roof

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 .

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