What Are The Benefits of Installing Solar In Your Rental Property

Dustin Edwards • September 12, 2023

California is becoming more electrified, and as the need for power increases, the price increases along with it. Installing solar in your rental may not be a worthwhile investment at first. However, many tenants are leaning towards renewable energy, and promoting your rental can increase its visibility in the market. Although it is an additional expense, solar power has come a long way in the last decade, and with the increase in the electricity price, solar panels have been shown to pay for themselves far sooner than they did ten years ago.


Below is a short list of benefits you should notice after installing solar power in your rental property.


Tenant Satisfaction

Rental vacancies bring passive income from the unit to a halt. They not only stop you from earning, it's a negative cash flow as it costs money to prepare the unit before listing it again. The best way to avoid this is to keep your current tenants or find tenants looking for a place to live long-term.


As previously mentioned, some tenants gravitate towards renewable energy sources, which can increase the eyes on your rental or be the deciding factor for tenants not to move. Especially if their
electric bill is significantly lower, combining solar panels with other energy-efficient appliances can reduce overall energy consumption even more. This can lead to more comfortable living for your tenants. A happy tenant means a long-term tenant.


Gaining a Competitive Edge

The housing market can vary from year to year, though installing solar panels does give you a competitive edge. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly housing, and you can have your rental stand out by branding your rental as a “Green” rental. This will attract tenants who prioritize sustainability. It's best to add other eco-friendly electrical upgrades, including:


  • Smart Lighting
  • Energy Efficient Appliances
  • Smart Irrigation Systems
  • LED Lighting
  • Drought Resistant Lawn


Tenants looking for “green” housing are aware of their energy consumption. They prefer to stay in one location for long periods to minimize their perceived carbon footprint. If they move into your eco-friendly rental, you’ll likely have found the long-term tenants you sought. Properties with solar panels may also command a higher rental rate when compared to rentals without.


Reduced Operating Costs

Solar panels can significantly lower a property's total operating costs. Granted, this requires additional battery investment to store the power the solar panels collected. As they generate electricity from sunlight, they can reduce utility bills for common areas, shared spaces, and security lights. 


Although installing solar on a rental is a sizable investment, the average time it takes for the panels to pay for themselves is about eight years in California. Due to the great weather we get, maintenance on solar panels is typically low and consists of inspecting batteries (if installed) and wiping down the solar panels once a year. However, it is said that allowing rainwater to rinse them off is enough. 


Increased Property Value

On average, the upfront cost of installing a solar power system is between $12,000 and $16,000 for a 5 kilowatt system. This is enough power to accommodate homes of up to four bedrooms. After the roughly eight-year period where the panels essentially pay for themselves, the investment becomes reflected in your rental property value. If you ever decide to sell in the future, the solar system can be seen as more attractive to potential buyers. 


Installing a solar power system for your rental may seem expensive. However, patients usually pay for themselves. If you’re interested in installing a solar power system in your rental or need help deciding if solar power is correct, 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 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 .
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 .
By Dustin Edwards May 27, 2025
A Solar Battery is an important party of a solar panel system. However, is it valuable for a rental property? Read on to discover.
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