Blog Post

Making the Most of the Pool with Your Long Beach Rental

Dustin Edwards • Jul 17, 2020

An Outdoor Pool Area Can Keep Your Tenants Happy for Years

Outdoor Area with Pool
Even in Southern California, and Long Beach in particular, we have a few “hot” days. Nearby areas such as Palm Springs or Valencia might not classify our days as hot however when temperatures reach the high 80’s and low 90’s it certainly can inspire a desire to cool down.

When tenants are looking for a great home to rent, one of the items that can be on their list is that of a pool. If you own a rental in the Long Beach neighborhoods of Plaza (East and West), Los Altos (North and South) or Bixby Knolls then you have a high probability of having a pool with your rental. Tenants looking to rent in these neighborhoods can be willing to pay more (and even rent for longer periods) because the home has a pool.  

Creating a True Outdoor Area
While a pool may be the center of attention in the yard it is not the only item that will create an enjoyable area outdoors. Having your pool contribute to a higher monthly rental income means having it be a part of a larger “outdoor area” where a tenant can envision themselves enjoying many a day for years to come.

Eating Area
Generally people aren’t knocking down their Olympic training routine in a backyard pool. While some may enjoy swimming laps the pool is often used as a hub for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors on warm summer days. To help your tenants enjoy the outdoor space consider putting out a nice table with an umbrella to allow them to relax while others enjoy pool time.

A BBQ is often a feature you will see in a short-term rental because an owner of a short-term rental wants that tenant to enjoy their home just like a hotel property but that doesn’t stop you from doing the same with your long-term rental. Consider placing a BBQ and don’t forget to identify in the lease that it is property associated with your rental. It is also recommended to outline cleaning guidelines for the barbecue.  

Fire Pit
When night falls you don’t want your tenant feeling like they have to go inside. Fire pits come in options of natural gas, propane, and wood. For rentals we would recommend the lower maintenance propane version as they tend to put out warmth without the wide range of flames that a wood pit can produce. Many propane versions can take the same style tanks as BBQs. To help your tenant maximize their enjoyment of the fire pit consider having seating specific to the fire pit area.

Privacy Fence or Landscaping
As you evaluate the pool area with your Long Beach rental take note of the fencing around the property. Does foliage provide a layer of privacy? Often a wonderful row of foliage is the best match to create additional cost effective privacy, but take time to explore your options to create the best possible experience for the area surrounding the pool.

Safety Consideration
One item that is raised on home inspections, but sometimes forgotten if the home has been a rental for some time, is that of the requirement of a fence around the pool. A fence around the pool, while an investment, is a requirement and helps everyone enjoy the benefits of the pool with added safety when smaller children are present.
When it comes to knowing if a pool will help the value of your rental the answer truly is going to be “it depends”. Each neighborhood and property will be different and it takes a bit of analysis and understanding of the local rental trends to determine how it will impact the monthly rent that is collected. When you want to understand how the pool at your property (whether it be a single family home, condo, or multi-unit) impacts the rent we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis or call us today (562) 888-0247 and we will be happy to share more.


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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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