There’s a chance you never planned on being a landlord. Maybe you inherited a home, or you’re moving for a new job and decided to rent out your property instead of selling it.
Suddenly, you’re faced with a new set of responsibilities, and the thought of finding a tenant in a place like Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. This is where professional tenant placement in Los Angeles becomes a strategic necessity.
At Lotus Property Services, we specialize in helping landlords in Arcadia and the greater LA area protect their investments by finding and securing the perfect tenant. Whether you live in the area or are a remote landlord, here’s why partnering with a professional is the smartest move you can make.
Avoiding the Costly Mistakes of Placing a Bad Tenant
The true cost of a bad tenant goes far beyond a single missed rent payment. A poor tenant can lead to property damage, legal fees, lost rent, and the expensive, time-consuming process of eviction.
A report by the California Apartment Association (CAA) notes that the average cost of an eviction in the state can be thousands of dollars when you factor in court fees, legal representation, and lost income from a vacant unit.
Professional tenant placement, like many of the services we offer at Lotus Property Services, is a preventative measure. We don’t just fill a vacancy. We work diligently to place a high-quality tenant who will treat your property with respect, pay on time, and honor their lease agreement. This one decision can save you from a financial nightmare down the road.
The Complex Legal Landscape of Tenant Screening
In Los Angeles, the rules and regulations surrounding tenant screening are strict and constantly evolving. As a landlord, you are responsible for following federal, state, and local laws, including:
Fair Housing Laws
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination based on a wide range of protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and veteran status.
Source of Income
Under California law, it is illegal to discriminate against an applicant based on their source of income, which includes government assistance like Section 8 vouchers.
Criminal History
The use of criminal history in tenant screening is highly regulated. Landlords generally cannot consider arrests that did not lead to a conviction, nor can they enforce blanket bans on applicants with a criminal history. Any conviction considered must be directly related to housing, and landlords must allow applicants to present mitigating information.
Application Fees
There are strict limits on how much a landlord can charge for an application fee, and these fees must be used for legitimate screening purposes.
A simple mistake in this tenant screening process—from an improperly worded ad to an inconsistent screening practice—can lead to costly discrimination lawsuits. Our familiarity with landlord-tenant law ensures that every step of your tenant placement process is fully compliant, protecting you from legal exposure.
Using Our Expertise to Find the Best Tenants in Los Angeles
The process of finding a quality tenant is more than just running a credit check. It requires a detailed, multi-layered approach that includes:
- Strategic Marketing: We create compelling property listings with professional photography and market them across multiple platforms to attract a wide pool of qualified applicants.
- Thorough Vetting: Our rigorous screening process goes beyond a simple credit report. We conduct in-depth background checks, verify income and employment, and speak with previous landlords to get a complete picture of an applicant’s rental history.
- Market Analysis: The Los Angeles rental market is competitive, and prices can fluctuate. We use our local expertise to help you set the optimal rent price for your property, maximizing your income while minimizing vacancy time. The difference of just a few hundred dollars in rent can be the difference between a long vacancy and a quick, profitable lease.
By handling all aspects of marketing and screening, we save you the time and hassle of fielding calls, conducting showings, and sifting through dozens of applications—many of which will be from unqualified candidates.
Convenience and Peace of Mind for Property Owners in LA
Ultimately, professional tenant placement in Los Angeles is about having fewer vacancies and better tenants to give you back your time and peace of mind.
Instead of spending your evenings and weekends on the phone with prospective tenants, you can rest assured that your property is in expert hands. We manage the entire process, from the first showing to the lease signing, and even collect the initial deposits.
For landlords in Arcadia, Los Angeles, and beyond, Lotus Property Services offers the experienced, authoritative, and trustworthy partner you need to succeed. Our complete understanding of the local market and our commitment to legal compliance ensure that your property is not just rented, but rented well.
Ready to Find Your Next Great Tenant in Los Angeles?
Stop gambling with your investment. Contact Lotus Property Services today to learn more about our professional tenant placement services and get your property filled with a qualified, reliable tenant.