Blog Post

Top 3 Ways To Improve Your Rental Income

Dustin Edwards • February 9, 2024

For most real estate investors, improving their rental income is their main priority. However, there are more ways to improve earning than increasing rent. You indeed need to spend money to earn money. This is also true in real estate, as there are many avenues in which you can invest that can improve revenue.


Today, we'll review three great ways to improve your rental income without necessarily increasing your tenant’s rent.


Carefully Screen Applicants

One of the best ways to improve your rental income is to ensure you’re welcoming the best-suited tenant. The better the tenant, the longer they live in your rental. The longer they live in your rental, the lower your vacancy rates are and the more consistent your income is. This can be tricky as every time you fill a vacancy, you’re taking a chance with whoever is moving in. You can help mitigate the risk by carefully screening the potential tenant.


Typical items on an application you should watch include if the applicant is a smoker, if they own pets and their renting history. This can take time to get right, as only some have the resources to look into applicants.


If you choose to manage your property, you’ll want to check the applicant’s credit score to understand better an applicant's ability to pay rent on time. Checking their residential history can help you understand what to expect from them as tenants. Past behavior may hint as to their future interactions. Proof of monthly gross income proves whether or not they can afford to rent your property. Typically, you want them to be able to provide evidence of at least three times the monthly rent amount. This can feel overwhelming to do on your own, especially if you’re new to the real estate industry. However, a full-service
property management company will have the resources to screen potential tenants better.


Inspect Your Properties Regularly

Many improvements can be made to your Long Beach rental property, like upgrading the home's core systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. These upgrades can yield a higher asking price for rent, though maintaining the property can mitigate losses and ultimately improve your bottom line. 


Typically, you’ll want to do yearly inspections of the core elements of the home—especially plumbing and electricity, as these are oftentimes incredibly costly if left unchecked. Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims in rentals. This can be avoided by regular maintenance,
yearly inspections, and rapid response whenever a tenant calls about leaks. On the other hand, faulty wiring can result in electrical fires, which can completely destroy your rental.


Choosing the Right Property Management Company

Property management companies are often seen as a cost of the real estate industry. However, it should be seen as an investment. While a fee is associated with hiring a property management company, they often have far more resources than an owner. 


Property management companies aren’t one size fits all, and as you expand your portfolio, you should consider reevaluating your property management company regularly. Be sure to find a company that specializes in your type of rental, is local to your area, and is knowledgeable about your neighborhood and local laws. This can go a long way in improving your rental income over time.


Improving your rental income is ultimately the goal of every investor. However, there is more to improving your bottom line than just increasing the rent or cutting back on spending. Knowing how and when to invest your money can significantly affect your passive income. If you want to improve your monthly earnings or
collect rent online, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or 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 December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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