Jacksonville, Florida, is a great place to live. The job market is growing, its culture is developing, there's beach access, and the cost of living is affordable. However, many would tell you that it might not be the ideal place to live in during the summer.
Around mid-May to early October, the temperatures can climb into the low 90s Fahrenheit. There are ways to beat the summer heat and keep your renters comfortable and safe, some of which are simple enough to implement.
1. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Even if you have an AC system to cool your rental property during the summer season, you must ensure that it is in good working condition. That means maintaining them through regular cleaning and changing the filters. This will not only improve the air quality of your rental property but also enhance its energy efficiency.
2. Take Advantage of Your Landscape
Plants aren't just for improving your rental property's curb appeal. You can also use the lawn to plant more trees for shade, which can cover the windows to prevent direct sunlight. Plants also help cool the surrounding air. It will enable your tenants to enjoy outdoor areas, especially when patio furniture is available on your property.
3. Maximize Air Circulation
Knowing that your rental property is located in an area with hot summers, you should be well-prepared and invest in appliances like ceiling fans to improve air circulation. It can push cool air downwards, creating a more breezy room in the summer.
4. Add a Swimming Pool
While this is more common for vacation rentals, property owners also tend to add pools to apartments. It can undoubtedly help your tenants keep cool under the sun, and the investment can add to your property's value. Just be sure to establish some house rules and review procedures to maintain the pool's cleanliness. You can provide clean towels to avoid wet floors and fall risks.
5. Install Window Treatments
Some solutions are the simplest and most effective, such as adding blinds and curtains. If your renters prefer natural light, you can install reflective window films to reduce the afternoon sun. This enables tenants to save money on cooling without disrupting the decor of the place.
Landlord Essential Safety Tips for the Summer
Carbon monoxide detectors
Be sure to check in periodically to ensure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly, especially since the summer season typically sees the highest number of fire incidents.
Home insurance
Obtaining insurance protects your home from both interior and exterior damage, as well as tenant and guest injuries that may occur on the property.
Appliances
It's essential to remind your tenants to limit the use of heat-generating appliances, such as ovens and clothes dryers, during the hottest parts of the day.
Guest Restrictions
While times at the pool can be memorable, remind renters about the limitations on inviting guests. Provide instructions and a schedule as to when they can invite people to the property.
Install smart thermostats
Smart thermostats can help enhance heat regulation in a particular space and can attract tenants who prefer more modern properties to rent. Additionally, it enables tenants to remotely monitor the rented units, even when they're on vacation.
Provide tips on keeping cool.
Some landlords go as far as advising their tenants to stay comfortable, such as keeping ice and cool drinks in the refrigerator, avoiding leather furniture, using cotton and linen for bedding, and more.
Make renters comfortable indoors.
Ensure that your tenants won't have to resort to going outside to cool down, as unattended units are more susceptible to fires. Efficient property management and incentives like free streaming services will do the trick.
Let Us Help You Be Ready for the Summer Season
Hiring property managers is the next best thing to deal with hot summers in Jacksonville. It won't be a walk in the park, and having a professional by your side can make all the difference.
Green River Property Management provides services including marketing listings, collecting rent, inspecting properties, performing maintenance, and handling evictions. With our expertise and experience, we'll ensure that you're well-prepared this summer.
Contact us and get started on boosting your property's profitability!
