Landscaping - is it important?

[Lance Trezona]

Good Day BP peeps, 

I am new to the landlord game and just closed on a duplex in San Diego two weeks ago. I am living in one unit and the other unit is tenant occupied. I am looking at ways to increase rent value and was thinking of doing some landscaping. The Property has an Alley, and the 2nd unit's front door and yard area face it. The yard area is completely open and gives no privacy, plus it's just a dirt patch right now with chain-link fence that separates the property line. I was thinking of adding a wood fence for privacy and putting some pebble rocks down. I am not sure if this is a good use of funds or not and will it add to my main objective which is to increase rent value? Looking for advice and suggestions from any and all landlords.  

[Gretchen Guarino]

Hi Lance! If the modifications you mentioned are going to create a little usable outdoor space for your tenant--i.e. place to put a couple of chairs, etc.--I would say go for it! It should add value--especially in San Diego!