Uncommon Property Upgrades to Consider for Your Long Beach Rental Property

Dustin Edwards • June 27, 2022

Unique Upgrades To Increase Your Property Value

Vacancy can mean a reduced income from your Long Beach rental property, but it also gives you an excellent opportunity for upgrades to remain competitive in the market. Seeing what neighboring rentals are offering can give you an insight as to what upgrades you may want to consider to stand out.


To help you with a bit of inspiration when it comes to adding something new to your rental we invite you to consider four uncommon upgrades to catch the eye of potential long term tenants.


Adding a Pool

Long Beach, CA, has fantastic weather nearly year-round. The great weather gives added value to having a pool and making a pool for your Long Beach rental an asset. Pools can be a strong reason a tenant may decide to rent your property, especially if they are socially active, enjoy hosting parties, or are athletic. Many of the costs of building a pool can be offset by your tenants, including maintenance. Though we recommend that you ensure your tenant understands this when reviewing the rental agreement.


A pool on its own is excellent, and pool safety should be top of mind. If you build a pool, consider safety equipment and even a protective fence to mitigate accidents as much as possible. Many landlords shy away from renting properties with pools due to perceived liability, though a pool’s added benefits can make it an asset in Long Beach.


Adding a Hot Tub

Like a pool, a hot tub can be used nearly year-round in Long Beach, CA. However, unlike a pool, much less space is required to install a hot tub. Whether installed in the yard over an appropriate amount of leveled gravel (usually around 6 inches deep) or on a deck, a hot tub can be a luxury for tenants in the market for one. Some top-rated hot tubs at The Home Depot include Aqualife’s Niagara LS or Lifesmart’s LS600DX.  If the hot tub is installed with complimentary hardscape and lawn decor can add curb appeal and even increase the value of your rental property.


Much like a pool, some safety precautions and discussions about maintenance are needed to offset the cost of installing the hot tub, especially if landscaping or electrical work is required to install it properly. 


Outdoor Cooking Area

While having a meal outdoors can inspire relaxation and enjoyment from your tenants, consider building an outdoor cooking area. This can be as simple as a barbeque pit to provide tenants with the ability to host gatherings and serve burgers and hotdogs. Or as complicated as a custom-built outdoor kitchen with a refrigerator and plumbing. 


The most significant benefit of having an outdoor cooking space is that it can be a great entertainment area. When hosting events, guests can gather outdoors and not crowd so much inside. Cooking over an open flame is dangerous indoors, and anything smokey can leave lingering smells in the living space. Outdoor cooking reduces the amount of smoke entering the rental, reducing much of the odors as well.


Outdoor Office Space

In recent times, many people are beginning to work from home exclusively. Many tenants are looking for dedicated office space when looking for a home to rent. There exist many options for independent office space. A popular solution is pre-built offices you can order and install on your Long Beach rental property. Studio Sheds and Work Pods are excellent solutions as they deliver everything you need in order to install their outdoor office spaces as a do-it-yourself project or, in Studio Shed’s case, offer professional installation. Depending on your city’s building code, both options rarely require building permits outside of electrical. 


For more ideas on how to get ahead of the market or for help deciding what uncommon upgrades you can install in your Long Beach rental property, we invite you to call us at (562) 888-0247 or feel free to fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.

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By Dustin Edwards • June 6, 2025
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you 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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