Blog Post

Creating a Shaded Outdoor Space for Your Long Beach Rental

Dustin Edwards • Oct 27, 2021

The Right Outdoor Space Can Keep Tenants Happy for Years

Shaded Outdoor Space
Cultivating a great outdoor experience for your Long Beach Rental can please your tenants and give them a wonderful area for entertaining and relaxation. However, your tenants need a way to escape the year-round heat, especially during the summertime. Implementing various shade structures can provide your tenants with relief from the hot California sun and keep them safe. 

Below are some effective shade structures to consider for your Long Beach rental. 

Pergolas
Pergolas are large, rectangular wooden frames with a slatted roof intended to allow minimal sunlight exposure. For warmer days, you can even include a retractable canopy that covers the slats. Additionally, you can incorporate canopies on the sides of the pergola, thus blocking bright light during sunrise and sunset. 

Or, if you are looking for a more organic look, you can plant vines to grow within the slats. Not only will this provide an element of natural shade, but it will also act as a stunning statement piece for your tenants and their guests to admire. 

Bougainvillea (magenta, thorny flowers that grow well in the warm Southern California climate) and star jasmine (white, fragrant flowers that require minimal maintenance) are both capable climbers and fantastic vine options for pergolas. 

Depending on their length and design, pergolas can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 at Home Depot. 

Patio Umbrellas 
Patio tables are an excellent addition to your Long Beach rental’s outdoor space, and most patio tables come with umbrella holes. These holes make it easy to slip the umbrella poles into, thereby providing shade while your tenants are eating or lounging outside.

Patio umbrellas come in multiple sizes, ranging from 4.5 to 15 feet, as well as numerous colors to match the look of your patio table and cushions. At Home Depot, patio umbrellas cost as little as $50 or up to $200 for larger models. As such, patio umbrellas are a more affordable option than pergolas, though pergolas usually provide lengthier protection from the sun. 

Cantilever Umbrellas
Cantilever umbrellas come in the same sizes as patio umbrellas but have their own stand rather than receiving support from a patio table. Though they are a little more expensive than patio umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas are much more versatile as they can go over patio tables, lounge chairs, daybeds, and more. 

Shade Sails
Shade sails are large canopies that act as a cheaper and more durable alternative to the aforementioned options. Their thick and stretchy material protects against all forms of Southern California weather, from warm sunny days to strong Santa Ana winds and occasional damp showers. 

Shade sails come in a variety of shapes and sizes, most commonly triangular and rectangular. They can protect patio furniture, decks, and even swimming pools. Amazon has many different shade sails to choose from at prices of $20 to $80. 

Retractable Awnings
Similar to shade sails, retractable awnings are strong canopies that protect against all types of weather conditions. However, unlike shade sails, which typically connect to the house with hooks in the walls, retractable awnings connect to the wall directly. Additionally, they either pull in and out via a string or the push of a button. This gives your tenants a choice to sit in the sun or stay in the shade. Having either option is especially helpful for the cooler winter months when sun exposure is not as strong. 

Wayfair offers a wide variety of styles and sizes for retractable awnings priced within $100 to $500. 

With all these shade structures available, it is important to choose whichever option looks and works best for your Long Beach rental’s outdoor space. If you would like assistance with making these additions, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247, or you can 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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