Why Most People Don’t Switch Property Management Companies

Dustin Edwards • March 22, 2022

Switching Property Management Can Be A Difficult Decision

 Why Most People Don’t Switch Property Management Companies


It is difficult to understand when you should switch property management companies. Many times landlords feel as though the property management company has to have done something wrong in order to make the switch; this is certainly not true. There are a wide range of reasons to switch property management companies. We invite you to discover a few items of why people switch property management companies in this article.


How do I Compare Property Management Services?

Comparing property management companies periodically (at a minimum annually), is a prudent and effective method to understand if your property management is keeping up with the industry. You’ll find the top 3 categories to evaluate your property management company listed below. 


  1. Communication     - Good communication is essential when running any business, and managing your Long Beach rental property is no different. Conflict is often the result of a misunderstanding, due to a lack of communication. A property manager’s job is to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible while communicating effectively to minimize any misunderstandings. This means everything from how a property management company communicates with an owner to the tenant calls that they manage for your property.
  2. Knowledge - A property management company should be able to provide reports on your rental property. A financial report that records rent revenue and maintenance costs. And a physical report to provide the landlord with information on necessary repairs, general maintenance schedule. The provided information will aid in evaluating the property’s results. 
  3. A property management company should be able to keep up to date with the changing laws in order to avoid any unexpected expenses since laws in Long Beach and California change often
  4. Tenant Satisfaction - A competent property management company should understand that keeping tenants satisfied is as important as maintaining the rental property. Though tenant dissatisfaction can’t always be foreseen. In order to reduce tenant turnover it’s essential for a property management company to be able to keep up with market trends, maintenance and provide customer service to tenants.


How Do I Part Ways with My Current Property Management Company? 

First, check the  cancellation policy section of your contract with your current property management company. The policy may ask for a waiting period once you inform them of termination, usually 1 or 2 months. This section might also include an outline of any fees that are associated with canceling their services. 


If you are under a yearly contract with your current property management company, you may have to prepare for possible costs. Not only the canceling fees but you may be required to provide payment for any work orders or bills that have not yet been accounted for. These tend to come up after the contract is terminated.


Since your property management company may be taking care of communication with your tenants, be sure to inform your tenants that there will be a change in management or ask if your new property management company has a transition letter you can use. Tenants should be informed in writing if you intend to take over yourself or have another property management company take over. The information in the letter should include who will replace the previous company, who to pay their following rent payments to and when the management transfer will happen. To ease any insecurities with the tenants, inform them that their security deposit has also been transferred.


What to Expect from the New Management Company

You should expect them to manage day-to-day affairs. They should be able to run your Long Beach rental properties day-to-day matters including handling tenant requests, complaints or emergencies and documenting them. They should keep a database of well qualified prospective tenants for any future vacancies that may arise. Professional rental analysis of your area and your competition. 


At Beach Cities Property Management, our mission statement is to manage residential income properties with a completeness and totality that relieves our clients from any and all concerns with day-to-day management and accounting.


If you are looking to change your Long Beach property management company and have questions about our monthly property management services feel free 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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If You Have These 3 Things, Consider Putting Solar Panels

By Dustin Edwards • May 22, 2025
As California becomes more and more electric, the idea of installing solar panels becomes more enticing for many landlords. While the initial investment may be quite expensive, there are a few things to consider before making the decision. By keeping these factors in mind, you can greatly reduce the overall cost of installation as well as reduce your operational costs throughout the lifespan of the solar panels. Below, we’ve compiled three considerations you should keep in mind before making your decision to install solar panels on your rental property. Long Term Ownership For landlords whose plan is to own their rental property for a long period of time, a solar energy system can be a strategic investment with long-term benefits. The longer you own a solar panel system, the lower the operational costs can be for your rental property. Unlike a homeowner, who sees their return through their energy bill. A landlord sees their return through lower vacancy rates and higher lease renewals. The initial expense associated with installing solar panels can be offset over time through reduced energy costs, improved property efficiency, and adjusting your property’s rent accordingly. Tenants are quite receptive to features that lower recurring expenses, such as their electricity bill. With so many people working from home, a lower energy bill can result in an improvement in tenant satisfaction , as well as reduced vacancy and turnover rates. The use of solar panels fits well in a long-term investment strategy that focuses on keeping operational costs low and reliable while improving your rental property’s value . Stand Out From the Competition In a competitive rental market, such as in Long Beach, CA. Features such as solar panels can help your property stand out to prospective tenants. Features such as solar panels can increase a rental property’s attractiveness to many tenants, though, specifically environmentally conscious individuals and younger tenants tend to gravitate towards rentals with solar panels more. Properties that are energy efficient appeal to renters who prioritize lower utility bills and more sustainable living conditions. These features may influence a prospective tenant’s decision when choosing between rentals of similar characteristics and space. Additionally, tenants who are interested in sustainability often care for the rental and follow the rules better than others. They are also more likely to opt into lease renewals. This means that solar panels can improve your bottom line through a more consistent monthly rental income due to the reduced vacancy and turnover rates. Your Roof is in Good Shape It goes without saying that your roof needs to be in a structurally sound condition in order to install solar panels. In general, a roof is expected to have a lifespan of twenty to twenty-five years, If your roof still has over fifteen years of proper functionality, it's ideal for installing solar panels without requiring additional costs for repair. If your roof is in good condition and won't require repairs in the foreseeable future, you’re far less likely to face problems that would require you to remove the solar panels temporarily. This can be expensive, which is why it's important you don't properly inspect your roof before making the decision to install solar panels. Installing a solar system on your rental property offers measurable benefits to your bottom line in reducing your vacancies and turnover rates, as well as keeping your rental property competitive in the market. If you’re unsure if your roof is structurally sound to install solar panels 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 .

When To Include Utilities in Your Monthly Rent

By Dustin Edwards • May 17, 2025
Have you considered including utilities in your rent? Here are some of the most common utilities that help tenants see a greater value on renting your property

5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Rental's Roof

By Dustin Edwards • May 8, 2025
Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof 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 .
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