Blog Post

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Managing a Long Beach Property

Dustin Edwards • Jan 18, 2024

Many first-time landlords frequently jump into the real estate business without truly understanding how much time must be invested. That being said, there are many successful do-it-yourself types of owners. However, many others feel overburdened by the load and leave the industry before enjoying the fruit of their labor.


Below are seven mistakes you should avoid when managing a Long Beach rental property.


Neglecting Outdoor Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the property fulfills two roles. The first is your property’s curb appeal. This is the first thing potential tenants see when looking for a new home. A prospect may have reservations about contacting you if your rental property appears disrepair, especially in a city like Long Beach, where wind-blown sand can weather paint and other features more quickly than in inland cities.


The outside of your rental property is the first impression. When someone sees your rental needs regular maintenance, such as overgrown landscaping, malfunctioning or faulty lighting, or broken windows, they may assume that since you give little care to your property, they won't be a priority.


Keeping your Long Beach rental property in good shape helps lower vacancy rates, which can greatly affect your bottom line.


Ignoring Repair Requests

Managing repairs for your rental can be time-consuming and, in some cases, pricey. However, you should always pay attention to a tenant's repair request. Not only because the goal is to keep tenants for as long as possible to maximize income, you need to remember that the property is yours. 


Any repairs that need to be done are in your best interest to resolve as soon as possible. Leaks and electrical issues may require you to hire an expensive tradesman. Though left unchecked, these problems can cost thousands of dollars to fix.


Laxed Tenant Screening

Typically, you want to fill in a vacant rental as soon as possible, though that can be problematic if you rush through the tenant screening process. Every landlord wishes to find an exceptional tenant who pays rent on time and respects your rules. Once found, they want to keep them for as long as possible.


In order to have the highest chance of finding an ideal tenant, you should have a thorough screening process. You may need to invest in help doing this, though the results can significantly reduce stress. Poor-quality tenants run the risk of paying rent late, causing severe property damage, or leading to eviction procedures.


Poor Communication

Having good communication with a tenant can help your relationship with them. While you don't need to become their friend, it's essential that your tenant feels comfortable talking to you or your representative. Having poor communication with tenants can cause them to distrust you. This can lead to minor repairs becoming significant issues and quick tenant turnaround.


Incorrect Pricing

While you are free to charge any rate you see fit for your rental property, it's a good idea to understand the going rate for similarly sized homes. Misjudging rental rates may deter potential tenants from inquiring about your rental, and it can extend vacancy periods. This 

can result in a financial loss for you.


Limited Insurance Protection

Much like with a vehicle, your rental property needs to be insured. Not having the correct coverage can result in a financial loss due to unforeseen circumstances. Accidents and natural disasters are usually the most common. However, when it comes to pets, some dogs are more challenging to find coverage for, while breeds like rottweilers, pit bulls, and Akitas are typically never covered.


Underestimating the Workload

Many owners frequently believe they are capable of managing their rental property; in some cases, this is true. However, it's not uncommon for first-time landlords to quickly become overwhelmed by the amount of work and time required to manage a rental, especially older properties. 


Don't be disheartened by this. Real estate is a great opportunity to make passive income.
Property management companies are oftentimes a great solution if you’re feeling stretched thin.


If you feel like you need a hand managing your property or are unsure if you can manage a rental on your own, 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 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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