How to Rent Out Your L.A. Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic rental markets in the country. Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or simply looking for extra income, renting out your property in L.A. can be a smart financial move. But the process isn’t as simple as posting an ad and handing over the keys.
At Suave Management, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners turn their properties into profitable rental investments—without the stress. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to rent out your L.A. home the right way.
1. Know Your Local Laws and Requirements
Los Angeles has strict regulations when it comes to rentals—especially if your home is subject to rent control, short-term rental restrictions, or city inspections.
🔹 Check if your property is under RSO (Rent Stabilization Ordinance)
🔹 Make sure you’re registered with the city as a landlord (if required)
🔹 Understand your legal responsibilities under California landlord-tenant law
Tip: Partnering with a local property management company like Suave can save you from costly legal mistakes.
2. Prep the Property
Renters in L.A. expect clean, safe, and well-maintained homes. Before listing your property:
🔧 Fix any deferred maintenance
🧽 Deep clean the entire home
🌿 Tidy up landscaping
💡 Upgrade lighting and paint if needed
This isn’t just about looks—it helps you attract higher-quality tenants faster and justifies higher rent.
3. Set the Right Rent Price
Overpricing your rental can leave it sitting vacant. Underpricing leaves money on the table.
At Suave Management, we analyze:
📍 Current market rates in your neighborhood
🏘️ Competing listings nearby
📊 Supply and demand trends in real time
We help you price your property competitively so it rents quickly—without sacrificing value.
4. Market Like a Pro
You’ll need more than a blurry iPhone photo on Craigslist. Professional marketing gets professional results.
📸 High-quality photos and video tours
📝 Detailed, compelling listing descriptions
📢 Syndication to Zillow, Apartments.com, and dozens of other sites
📱 Social media promotion to boost reach
Want your listing to stand out? Let our team take care of it from start to finish.
5. Screen Tenants Carefully
Choosing the right tenant is everything. A bad one can cost you thousands. We screen for:
✔️ Credit history
✔️ Employment/income verification
✔️ Rental history and references
✔️ Background checks
We only place tenants we’d trust in our own homes.
6. Use a Solid Lease Agreement
Don’t just download a generic lease online. A strong lease protects both you and your property.
We use attorney-approved leases that cover:
📄 Rent due dates
📄 Late fees
📄 Property rules
📄 Maintenance responsibilities
📄 Renewal terms and more
This sets expectations from the start and helps avoid issues later.
7. Handle Maintenance, Rent Collection, and Communication
Once your tenant moves in, the real work begins. You’ll need systems for:
🔁 Monthly rent collection
🛠️ Emergency repairs
💬 Tenant questions and requests
📑 Accounting and reporting
Or—you could let Suave Management handle it all while you sit back and collect your passive income.
🚀 Ready to Rent Out Your Home?
Whether this is your first rental or you’re adding to your portfolio, Suave Management makes it simple, safe, and profitable. We take care of every step so you can enjoy the benefits without the stress.
📞 (818) 533-8845
📧 josh@suavemanagement.com
🌐 www.suavemanagement.com
