What’s the Right Rent to Charge for My Los Angeles Apartment?

A Data-Driven Guide for LA Property Owners

For small multifamily property owners in Los Angeles, setting the right rent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Price your unit too high, and it sits vacant, costing you income. Price it too low, and you lose out on potential profit.

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The key is finding that sweet spot that attracts quality tenants while maximizing your rental income.

At Lotus Property Services, we use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) — a proven, data-driven method that helps landlords determine accurate, competitive rent prices in Los Angeles. Here’s how we do it (and how you can start your own research).

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Note: For information setting the rent for a single-family property, check out How Much Should I Rent Out My Los Angeles Single-Family Property For?

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Step 1: Understand Los Angeles’ Micro-Markets

Los Angeles isn’t one uniform rental market. Rent prices in Koreatown can differ drastically from West Los Angeles or Pico-Union, even for units of similar size.

Start with Comparable Properties (“Comps”)

A comp is a property similar to yours that has recently rented or is currently available. Focus on listings that share key characteristics:

Use Reliable Data Sources

Explore reputable rental platforms like Zillow, Zumper, and Apartments.com to gather local data. Filter your search by size, condition, and amenities to identify truly comparable properties.

Example snapshot of current LA rent trends:

Your property’s unique features — such as updated interiors or parking access — will determine whether you should price above or below these averages.

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Step 2: Evaluate Your Property’s Unique Value

Once you’ve studied the local market, evaluate what makes your unit stand out.

Highlight Your “Wow” Factors

Ask yourself: Why would a tenant choose this apartment over another? Consider elements like:

Promote Every Amenity

Every feature matters in your listing — even smaller ones:

Calculate Your Rental Yield

To measure true profitability: Gross Rental Yield = (Annual Rent ÷ Property Value) × 100

This helps determine whether your rent covers expenses and generates healthy long-term returns.

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Step 3: Stay Compliant with Los Angeles Rent Laws

Setting rent in Los Angeles requires understanding local and state rent control laws.

Rent Caps and the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)

Under California’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019, most properties are subject to:

Security Deposit Limits (AB 12 – Effective July 2024)

Understanding these laws helps protect you from costly legal penalties and ensures full compliance with California regulations.

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Step 4: Partner with a Professional Property Management Company

The Los Angeles rental market changes quickly. Rental trends fluctuate by season, neighborhood, and even building type.

That’s why professional insight is so valuable.

At Lotus Property Services, we offer a Free Rental Analysis to help you determine your property’s ideal rent based on:

We also handle everything from tenant screening and marketing to rent collection and maintenance, giving you peace of mind and steady income.

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Get Your Free Los Angeles Multifamily Rental Analysis Today

Setting the right rent for your multifamily unit isn’t guesswork — it’s strategy. Whether you own a duplex in Mid-City or a small apartment building in Burbank, the right pricing strategy can make all the difference in your cash flow and occupancy rate.

Contact Lotus Property Services today for your FREE Los Angeles Rental Analysis and start maximizing your investment with confidence.

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Additional Resources