How Do I Rent My House Out in Los Angeles?

How Do I Rent My House Out in Los Angeles in 2026?

Considering renting out your home in Los Angeles? Whether you’re relocating to a new city and don’t want to sell, have just purchased real estate, or have inherited a property, renting it out can be a great way to earn some passive income.

Of course, renting out your home in Los Angeles is more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Being a successful landlord requires attention to detail and a smart strategy.

This post will be your complete guide to renting out your property in LA, ensuring you do it right from the start.

How Do I Rent My Home in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles remains a strong rental market due to high demand, a diverse economy, and its global appeal, making it a reliable opportunity for steady rental income and property appreciation.

Here are key steps to renting out your home in the Los Angeles area while protecting your investment, avoiding legal issues, and maximizing your income:

Understand the Local Los Angeles Markets

Los Angeles is a huge city. That means every neighborhood has a different rental market that influences the rent price, quality of the property, and more.

The first step to renting your home in LA is to understand the local rental market in your neighborhood. Browse online rental listing sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com to see what properties are available, their condition, and their pricing.

This is a great time to compare your home to available nearby properties to rent. How does it stack up? Is it similar to the listings you see? Does it offer the same amenities?

Research California Rental Laws

California has quite a few rental laws put in place to protect both tenants and landlords. To ensure you remain compliant with the law, it’s essential to educate yourself about it.

Tenant Protection Act – Enacted in 2019, this act puts a 5-10% rent increase limit on certain properties. This means landlords cannot raise the rent more than this in a 12-month period.
Security Deposit – Landlords may collect 2 months’ rent for unfurnished properties or 3 months’ rent for furnished properties as a security deposit. After the tenant has moved out, the deposit must be returned within 21 days. Any deductions must come in an itemized list with associated prices.
Rent Stabilization – LA has enacted rent stabilization, limiting landlords from increasing the rent. From July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, small property landlords may increase rent by 2.93%.
FHA Discrimination Laws – Understanding the federal law about who is protected from discrimination when buying or renting a home is extremely important for landlords. Violating this law could come with hefty fines.
Eviction Processes – If a tenant breaches a lease, landlords have the right to evict their tenants by following a strict and regulated process in Los Angeles.
Tenant’s Right to Privacy – Landlords must respect tenant privacy and give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the property, unless there is an emergency.
Rental Licenses and Permits – Some landlords must register their rental property with the County of Los Angeles.

It’s a lot of information, but knowing local, state, and federal housing laws is vital when renting your home in Los Angeles.

Note: California housing laws are extensive and subject to frequent changes. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified legal professional to address your specific situation.

Prepare Your Property

If any repairs need to be made to your property, now is the time to do them. You want to make sure that you’re providing your tenants with a habitable property that’s in great condition. This will also increase its value in the rental market.

It’s a good idea to do a thorough cleaning of the property, especially if you have carpets. And a fresh coat of paint is never a bad choice.

If you have the budget and want to stand out in the market, consider adding or updating certain amenities. This could include a washer and dryer in the property or new energy-efficient appliances.

Note: The process of renting a home in Los Angeles is complex, with regulations that vary based on the property’s age, location, and specific circumstances. Many properties will require repairs or updates to ensure they are legally compliant. It is essential to consult with a qualified professional, such as a real estate attorney or financial advisor, to address your specific situation.

Set Your Rent Price

During your market analysis, you probably got a good idea of what you can rent your home for in LA. Now it’s time to get out the calculator and make sure your rent price will be profitable.

Estimate your monthly expenses for managing and maintaining your property. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

Property taxes
Mortgage payments
Utilities
Maintenance
Insurance

Add them all up and subtract from your desired rent price. If you have a positive number left over, then you’ll have a profitable rental property!

You can also work with a real estate professional at Lotus Property Services to set your rent price. Start by requesting a free rental analysis.

Advertise Your Rental

Use online platforms and social media to advertise your rental to potential tenants. Make sure you write a detailed description of what the property is like, the surrounding neighborhood, and any amenities that are included.

Include high-quality photos of the property to give viewers a sense of the property’s appearance and size.

Screen Potential Tenants

As you get people interested in renting your property, you must screen potential tenants. You need to know about their lifestyle, job, and finances. This is a great opportunity to call references, such as employers and previous landlords.

Landlords also have the right to conduct credit and background checks on potential tenants during this stage. You can even check their social media to get a sense of their personality.

A thorough tenant screening process will save you a ton of headaches and potential evictions down the road.

Note: California has complex laws regarding tenant screening. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional to ensure your tenant screening process is in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Write a Solid Lease Agreement

Many landlords grab a standard lease template online and fill in the information. However, it’s always a good idea to work with a real estate professional, such as a property manager, agent, or lawyer, to help you craft a solid lease agreement.

This agreement lays out exactly who is renting your property, how much they will pay in rent and when, late fees, and any other terms and conditions you’d like to implement.

Start Managing Your Rental

Once you’ve found your tenant and they’ve moved in, it’s time to officially start managing your rental home in Los Angeles.

While some homeowners decide to manage their properties independently, many choose to work with a professional property management company. This ensures that their property is 100% compliant with LA regulations and is handled by real estate experts.

Rent Out Your House in Los Angeles with Help from Lotus Property Services

When you decide to rent your home in Los Angeles, you don’t have to do it alone!

The real estate experts at Lotus Property Services are here to make renting your home easy. We’ll handle everything from tenant acquisition, rent collection, maintenance and repairs, tax records, legal compliance, and financial reporting.

When you let us manage your rental property, we’ll maximize your rental income to ensure your investment is worthwhile.

Lotus Property Service