Blog Post

Uncommon Property Upgrades to Consider for Your Long Beach Rental Property

Dustin Edwards • Jun 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 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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