How To Convert A Short-Term Rental To Long-Term Rental

Ascent Property Management • January 25, 2023

For the past two years, an overwhelming amount of home shoppers dived into the second-home market with aspirations of becoming short-term rental entrepreneurs. 


Short-term rentals face unique challenges, from new city regulations to oversupply issues contributing to lesser occupancies. For some owners, short-term rentals are too much of a time-sink with multiple turnovers in a given week.

living room

It's anticipated that the landscape will evolve quickly over the next few years. The short-term model can be successful, but it isn't a business for everyone, especially if you are tight on time and cannot fully dedicate yourself. 


Regardless of the setback, it's resulted in some owners selling or changing their business model to long-term rentals. If you find yourself in the latter category, here's what you need to know.



Landlord-Tenant Law

As expected, long-term rentals are quite different from their counterpart. The first item to tackle is understanding landlord-tenant law. Misinterpreting this pillar of property management can land you in hot water, ending your landlord career before it ever takes off. 


Marketing

As a landlord, you'll need to find the best-suited tenant for your property. That means casting a wide net for applicants by utilizing major web portals, placing ads, generating copywriting, social media marketing, securing local advertising, and more. 

living room

Evaluating Tenants

Great, you've found your tenant - but how do you find out they are qualified while staying within federal and state Fair Housing guidelines? 


At Ascent Property Management, we use a proprietary screening process to learn about each potential tenant and ensure we treat them with the utmost respect. We pay strict attention to federal and state guidelines while working quickly and efficiently to minimize vacancy time. 


Accounting, Leasing Documents, and Property Maintenance

The list of responsibilities goes on and on. Or, you could call us! If you need San Diego property management assistance, call us at 760-994-5037 or complete our consultation form

By Ascent Property Management August 20, 2025
Owning rental property in San Diego has its perks. Sunshine year-round, mild weather, and steady rental demand. But while we may not face snowstorms or freezing pipes, landlords still need to prepare their properties for the shift into winter. Those rare seasonal rains, shorter days, and cooler nights can expose small issues that lead to big repairs if they’re ignored. Here are the top maintenance tasks San Diego landlords should tackle before winter hits. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage Even though rain is infrequent in San Diego, when it comes, it can be heavy. Clogged gutters or poor drainage around the property can lead to water pooling near the foundation, roof leaks, or flooding. A quick clean-out and inspection can save you thousands in repairs down the road. Inspect the Roof Summer heat can take a toll on shingles and tiles. Before the rainy season arrives, it’s smart to check for cracks, loose materials, or signs of wear. Even a small leak can cause major damage if a storm rolls through. Service Heating Systems San Diego winters may be mild, but tenants still rely on their heaters when the nights get chilly. Schedule a routine HVAC inspection to make sure the system is clean, efficient, and safe. A well-maintained system reduces tenant complaints and helps avoid emergency repair calls during a cold snap. Test Weatherstripping and Windows Drafty windows or worn-out weatherstripping can make a rental feel less comfortable and drive up utility bills. Replacing seals and caulking around windows and doors is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency and keep tenants happy. Trim Trees and Landscaping Fall is a great time to prune back overgrown trees and shrubs. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also reduces the risk of branches breaking during a storm and causing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles. Final Thoughts Proactive seasonal maintenance protects your investment and keeps tenants satisfied. In San Diego, that means getting ahead of rain, cooler weather, and shorter days. By tackling these tasks before winter, landlords can avoid costly repairs, reduce turnover, and ensure their rental properties are safe and comfortable year-round. 
By Ascent Property Management June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.
By Ascent Property Management May 27, 2025
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By Ascent Property Management April 24, 2025
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By Ascent Property Management August 20, 2025
Owning rental property in San Diego has its perks. Sunshine year-round, mild weather, and steady rental demand. But while we may not face snowstorms or freezing pipes, landlords still need to prepare their properties for the shift into winter. Those rare seasonal rains, shorter days, and cooler nights can expose small issues that lead to big repairs if they’re ignored. Here are the top maintenance tasks San Diego landlords should tackle before winter hits. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage Even though rain is infrequent in San Diego, when it comes, it can be heavy. Clogged gutters or poor drainage around the property can lead to water pooling near the foundation, roof leaks, or flooding. A quick clean-out and inspection can save you thousands in repairs down the road. Inspect the Roof Summer heat can take a toll on shingles and tiles. Before the rainy season arrives, it’s smart to check for cracks, loose materials, or signs of wear. Even a small leak can cause major damage if a storm rolls through. Service Heating Systems San Diego winters may be mild, but tenants still rely on their heaters when the nights get chilly. Schedule a routine HVAC inspection to make sure the system is clean, efficient, and safe. A well-maintained system reduces tenant complaints and helps avoid emergency repair calls during a cold snap. Test Weatherstripping and Windows Drafty windows or worn-out weatherstripping can make a rental feel less comfortable and drive up utility bills. Replacing seals and caulking around windows and doors is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency and keep tenants happy. Trim Trees and Landscaping Fall is a great time to prune back overgrown trees and shrubs. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also reduces the risk of branches breaking during a storm and causing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles. Final Thoughts Proactive seasonal maintenance protects your investment and keeps tenants satisfied. In San Diego, that means getting ahead of rain, cooler weather, and shorter days. By tackling these tasks before winter, landlords can avoid costly repairs, reduce turnover, and ensure their rental properties are safe and comfortable year-round. 
By Ascent Property Management June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.
By Ascent Property Management May 27, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
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