Top 5 Property Features to Improve with Your Rental

Dustin Edwards • July 16, 2024

Most Americans move between May and September, meaning that right now is a great time to improve your rental and take advantage of this. While there are many features you can upgrade, today we’re going to go over the top five features to improve in your rental that tenants are looking for 


Modern Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most expensive rooms in most homes. Upgrades in these rooms can significantly enhance the appeal of your rental property. While many tenants can move furniture and decorations to make the living areas to their taste, the kitchen and bathroom will typically not change. This increases the importance of these two rooms for attracting prospective tenants.


Energy-efficient and
modern appliances must attract tenants seeking contemporary living spaces. Sleek fixtures and fittings provide a clean and modern look, which allows these areas to stand out. Focusing on upgrading these rooms will not only increase the property's value but also ensure a higher level of tenant satisfaction. This can lead to a longer tenancy, which can reduce vacancy rates.


Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency in your rental property can be considered cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Many tenants nowadays look for sustainability as well as affordability. Old appliances should be replaced with energy-efficient models to reduce energy consumption. While providing energy-efficient appliances is a great way to start providing an energy-efficient rental, consider upgrading core systems as well. Upgrading your plumbing can reduce water waste and prevent leaks. Many older homes have inefficient cooling or HVAC systems, which can lead to expensive electric bills. To further improve efficiency, inspect your home’s insulation. While it lasts up to 80 years, roof leaks can shorten efficiency. Smart home devices can also help to reduce overall electrical usage.


Smart Home Technology

Integrating smart home technology into your rental property can improve both convenience and security for tenants. Smart thermostats allow your tenants to program the temperature control, which can not only improve energy efficiency but also provide your tenants with additional comfort. Smart locks and surveillance cameras offer added security and peace of mind. Smart home hubs for device integration allow tenants to manage a number of elements of the rental environment seamlessly. Smart home technology can help make your property more appealing, competitive, and attractive to tech-savvy potential tenants.


Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially for rentals, as a tenant can decide immediately after seeing the property’s exterior. Many tenants view the exterior of a rental as a sign of how much a landlord cares about the property, and if the exterior isn’t in good shape, they often assume the interior might look the same or worse. Improving your rental property's curb appeal can attract potential tenants with well-maintained lawns and gardens. For great results requiring little maintenance, consider drought-resistant grasses and native plants. This creates a welcoming environment while promoting the beauty of the native environment. Regular cleaning and repairs to the exterior paint and siding help maintain the rental and make it look great. Consider using outdoor lighting to enhance security, making the property more inviting at night. Investing in exterior improvements can increase the rental property's desirability and potentially command higher rental rates.


Communal Amenities

For multifamily rental properties, consider offering communal amenities. These can significantly boost the attractiveness of your rental property. For example, if in-unit washers and dryers aren’t included in the rental, provide on-site laundry facilities. This can be incredibly convenient for tenants, saving them time and money. Communal areas like lounges, game rooms, or rooftop gardens foster a sense of community among tenants, which can encourage interactions. This can also make your property more appealing to a diverse range of prospective tenants.


Much like a property management company, improving your rental’s features shouldn't be seen as a cost; rather, it should be seen as an investment to
improve your rental income. If you are looking for help improving your rental or 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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By Dustin Edwards June 6, 2025
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By Dustin Edwards May 30, 2025
Summer is a great time of year where people enjoy a number of outdoor activities. Though for landlords, summer brings with it a list of maintenance items and preventative care for their properties. Below, we’ve gathered three of the most important maintenance items to do before summer starts. Service your HVAC System Southern California summers are getting hotter and hotter, if you want to maintain tenant satisfaction you’ll need to have the HVAC or any A/C or cooling system properly serviced . Filters should be cleaned or replaced, and the ductwork should be inspected. For rentals with window units or mini-split systems should also be thoroughly inspected as well for optimal cooling. Doing proactive maintenance can reduce the risk of the cooling system breaking down during peak usage while also improving the system’s efficiency. This can lower utility costs for your tenants while extending the lifespan of your cooling system, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, consider inspecting your window and door seals for leaks. If the seals are broken, it allows hot air into the living space, this increases the cost associated with cooling while adding more load to the HVAC or cooling system. While not directly a part of the HVAC system, ensuring there aren’t any breaks in the seals helps extend the lifespan of your cooling system which is beneficial to your bottom line. Inspect your Roof The condition of a roof is oftentimes ignored since they tend to last over twenty years, and some property owners may not even be sure when the roof was last replaced . A poorly conditioned roof is one of the primary ways for a rental property to drive up the costs of repairs and tenant complaints. A damaged roof can inefficiently insulate a home, making it harder to keep it cool. It can also lead to water leaks during rainfall, which can lead to water damage, stains, and mold growth. While summers tend to be dry, the coastal cities such as Long Beach may see unexpected shifts in weather, which can bring sudden rainstorms or increased humidity. Fixing a small roof leak is relatively inexpensive, however, leaving said leak to grow can result in an emergency repair can cost thousands especially if a tenant has already moved in. A thorough roof inspection is a great maintenance item to do during a vacancy period especially as this can result in a positive experience with new tenants. This can lead to a long term stay with many lease renewals. Check for Signs of Pests Pest infestations are one of the fastest ways to ruin a tenant’s stay while also damaging a landlord’s reputation. Pests such as ants, cockroaches, other bugs, and rodents are common in many beach cities, especially during the warmer seasons. Being in a city, you’ll likely never truly be rid of pests, though, even a single complaint about an excess of bugs or rodent droppings can lead to bad reviews online, service calls, and in severe cases, lease termination. These pests not only create an unwelcome environment for your tenants, but they can also cause real damage to your investment property. Cockroaches are known to damage small wiring in appliances, ants can ruin food and get in everything, while rodents can chew through walls, plumbing, and even electrical wiring. Landlords should schedule regular ppest inspectionsto check for early signs of pest activity before the hotter season begins. Much like everything in this article, preventative maintenance is significantly cheaper than an emergency call, in this case to an exterminator. If you want to keep your tenants happy and your property well taken care of, preventative maintenance is a must. If you’re unsure about the signs to look for when doing routine inspections 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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