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With high demand for long-term rentals, learn more about investing in and pricing LA property for rent.

The Local Investors' Guide to Los Angeles Real Estate

Whether it’s for fame, fortune, or just a good old dose of sunshine, Los Angeles has an allure that attracts people from across the country and the world. 

This means the rental market stays incredibly tight, with properties always in demand. This is excellent news for homeowners who have — or are considering putting — a property on the rental market. 

Most homeowners weigh up their options between using their home as a long-term rental under a lease agreement or using the property for short-term vacation rentals on a platform such as Airbnb. In LA, this decision is fairly straightforward due to the city cracking down on short-term rentals to make more investment properties available for LA residents. 

Whether you’re now considering the long-term rental market or are considering purchasing an investment property in Los Angeles, this guide brings together some handy resources to help you get the most out of your home. 

Is it better to have a long-term rental or short-term vacation home in Los Angeles? 

In 2019, Los Angeles introduced the Home-Sharing Ordinance that eliminated the use of investment properties as short-term vacation rentals. In order to apply for a short-term rental ordinance, you must provide evidence that you reside in the home for at least six months of the year. If you don’t, and you want to use the home exclusively for rental income — long-term rental is the way to go. Homes found to be operating as a short-term rental without a permit or in breach of the eligibility criteria risk daily fines.  

The good news is that if you rent your home on a lease agreement, you can benefit from a steady income for 12 months and are eligible for generous tax benefits that don’t apply to short-term rentals or homes used part-time by friends and family. You’ll also have significantly less turnover and reduce the cost of wear and tear on your property from having the same residents in place for a year or more. 

Own a condo or single-family home in Los Angeles? Belong offers a unique home management service and residential experience to all LA neighborhoods from Alameda and Berkeley to Chula Vista and everything in between. 

How much property tax will I pay on a home in Los Angeles?

The average property tax rate for California is 0.76% (accurate as of August 2022), though as a large state this can vary between counties. For LA County, you can learn more about property taxes and run address searches through their online property tax portal here.

How much rent should I charge for a home in LA?

Los Angeles rents are often reported to be among the highest in the nation. But does that mean you can go big and ask for sky-high rents? Or is it a better strategy to be more reasonable and attract a resident at a price they can afford for the long-term? 

When looking at median rents and stats available online, it’s worth remembering that these are asking-rents for available properties only and aren't reflective of what is actually being paid in the market. These medians often incorporate high-end luxury properties that aren't indicative of all rents, especially with LA’s rent control laws in effect.

When helping homeowners price Los Angeles rental properties, Belong uses technology to blend live market data with an all-important metric: real demand for each home. We determine the right price for your home that will maximize rental income and keep vacancies low, long-term. 

Once your home is on Belong, we get a true measure of the market by looking at impressions, clicks, tour sign-ups and how many people have started applications. With all that data at our fingertips — plus local-market benchmarks — we can work with homeowners to react quickly and maximize rental value, while minimizing vacancy. 

As a result, we trump the property management industry with 66% less vacancy. And our residents want to stay, with 71% renewing their 1-year lease (and unlike property management companies, this is done at no cost to homeowners). 

Read More: How to Price Your LA Rental Property To Attract Long-Term Residents

Who are the best property management companies in Los Angeles?

The best way to ensure your new investment home is well-kept and profitable is to find the best company to help you manage it. But when comparing the best property management companies across California, you’ll be looking at a handful of differences between them all. Things like how much they charge for management fees and how often you’re going to get slogged for more (if they even tell you!). 

With Belong, there’s no comparison. Because Belong isn’t a property management company, it’s a completely unique experience that is humanizing the rental market. 

Providing cutting-edge marketing and video tours to everyone, not just those who pay the most

Not charging hidden fees like setup costs and lease renewal charges

Offering real 24/7 concierge-level support, not just logging maintenance emergencies 

Offering innovative financial solutions for managing cash-flow on your terms

Helping you to maximize your ROI with personalized asset management advice

Going beyond the owner portal for maintenance logging with a mobile app designed for both homeowners and residents to manage their entire renting experience

Using true market data and real-time interest from potential residents to maximize the value of your home

Connecting you to an extensive vendor network of more than 10,000 vetted professional contractors


Even though Belong topped the list when we compared Calirfornia’s top-ranked property managers, it became clear we were comparing apples with oranges. Find out if your LA property is eligible for Belong here. 

Read More: We Outrank The Best Property Management Companies in California

Discover why Los Angeles la-la-loves Belong

We love LA — our local Belong team has over 40+ years of real estate industry experience in the Los Angeles area. From the waterfront living in the Venice canals and the mid-century modern villas in the Hollywood Hills, to the traditional neighborhoods sprawled along Ventura and the Wilshire Corridor condos, our residential network is open to single-family homes and condos right across Los Angeles. LA loves us too…but don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some local homeowners are saying about Belong...

First, I will say being a "landlord" is not easy, so handing over the reigns to Belong is the best decision I could have made!  From renting my place at a great rate, to moving in the new renter, everything was taken care of.  I no longer have to worry about calls on nights and weekends with a request from my tenant. Belong handles repairs, including finding vendors.  So far, it has worked well.” - Lea HS

My experience with Belong has been great. Very responsive, definitely on top of their game.” - Anas D

Think your LA home belongs with us? Find out if you qualify here.

Is Los Angeles a good place to invest in real estate? With high demand for long-term rentals, learn more about investing in and pricing LA property for rent.

California rental owners take note: These regular and seasonal maintenance jobs are key to keeping your rental property profitable and in good shape all year.

The Annual Maintenance Checklist for Rental Homes in California

Blessed with opportunity and gorgeous weather year-round, California enjoys a strong demand for rentals from around the world, making it an ideal place to own a rental property. But a home in disrepair isn’t going to attract good residents or the right price for the market. Regular maintenance on a rental is key to keeping the home profitable and in good shape. 

While the weather varies across the state (yes, we’re looking at you San Francisco), this annual maintenance calendar will give you a general idea of the kind of repair and maintenance items you should cross off your list every year for a rental home in Cali. Staying on top of the condition of your home can save time and money in the long run, helping to identify any issues and necessary repairs before they become costly headaches. 

Some of these items you can ask your residents to look after for you, but some you will need to check for yourself in annual or quarterly inspections. Or, if your home is looked after with Belong PRO, we can handle the lot — from speaking with the residents about issues to connecting you with one of 10,000+ professional contractors in our extensive vendor network. 

Winter Maintenance Checklist for California Rental Homes

While winters in California are mild, you still have a responsibility to your residents to provide heat, especially hot water. Don’t neglect the water heater in your rental home — a yearly flush can prevent pipes from bursting and let you identify problems or leaks before they get worse. 

Unless your home is in the mountain ranges, there’s a good chance you won’t have to worry about snow removal or planning for frozen pipes. What your residents might do though is keep their homes locked up tight and crank the heat. The contrast of temperatures mixed with a lack of ventilation = mold and mildew. Remind residents to keep the home well ventilated, such as running exhaust fans in the bathroom after a hot shower and opening windows on sunny days.

Check and/or service heating to the home to ensure it’s operating

Check for leaks in the ceiling or any signs of water damage to repair before winter and spring rains set in and problems deepen 

Check for mold and moisture issues, remind residents about the importance of ventilation 

Check house siding for damage and/or leaks

Spring Maintenance Checklist for California Rental Homes

Most of California is considered to only have two seasons: summer and winter. Alas, spring does exist and brings with it plenty of sun, rain, and opportunities for your yard to grow out of control. If your rental home has a lawn and yard, spring is a good time to give it some love to ensure you maintain curb appeal and function. 

Summer in California can also bring on wildfires, so it’s a good time to inspect smoke alarms, plus any fire extinguishers, CO detectors, and sprinklers to make sure they are working properly. 

Mow the laws and remove any weeds as they start to appear

Mulch lawns as needed to improve water retention and minimize hose watering

Check the HVAC or air conditioning unit and clean filters before summer hits

Inspect and test any fire safety systems such as fire extinguishers, CO detectors and sprinklers 

Check the exterior of the house for any signs of damage or dirt buildup over winter — it might be a good time to give sidings a clean 

For homes with pools, have the water checked and cleaned to prepare for summer

Hose down any decks — if they need maintenance, now is a good time to reseal and treat for rot 

Summer Maintenance for California Rental Homes

Summer brings out the heat — and the pests. If your home is prone to infestation, or your residents have concerns, now is the time to inspect for insects and rodents. 

When the humidity rises, so too does the mold so be sure to make sure there’s no damp spots or moisture damage in the home too. You can recommend that residents use basic moisture absorbers (such as DampRid) in dark areas that attract mold, like closets and laundry rooms. 

If you have hedges or trees that are burning in the summer heat, resist the temptation to trim them until the heat has passed. Pruning stimulates growth, so removing burnt branches will encourage new growth, which may also burn in the heat. 

Inspect and control any pest infestations such as insects and rodents

Check any supplied appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines

Operate automated sprinkler systems if your home has one

Fall Maintenance for California Rental Homes

The leaves are starting to fall and where do they land? Straight in the gutters. If gutters get clogged and water can’t flow, it could saturate the roof and lead to deterioration or leaks. The first item on your fall maintenance checklist is to make sure the home’s gutters are clean and clear — and check the roof condition for damage or leaks well  before winter sets in. 

If your property has a chimney, it will also need a regular checkup. Chimneys remove dangerous gasses from the fireplace or furnace to keep the air breathable, so even if it’s not used regularly, it needs to be inspected. 

Inspect roof and gutters, clearing out any debris 

Check bathroom caulk and grout for any potential issues and leaks before winter

Check garbage disposals as these get frequently clogged and lead to repair issues

Check any chimneys and ensure they are clear and functioning

Prune trees and plants of any heat damage from the summer heat 

Shut off any automatic sprinkler systems that have run through the summer

Check insulation and drafts around windows and doors to fix before winter

Belong eliminates the hassle of rental property maintenance

When your home is cared for with Belong PRO, it will always stay well-maintained thanks to our extensive vendor network of over 10,000 professional contractors. You can make repair requests through the app or even subscribe to regular maintenance services so nothing ever falls in disrepair. 

If unexpected repairs or emergency maintenance costs do arrive, Belong has that covered too. All Belong homeowners are pre-approved for our Split It program, which spreads the cost of repairs across the term of your lease. This means you’ll always stay cash flow positive, receiving guaranteed rent every month minus a Split It repayment.

To learn more about how Belong PRO is making renting loveable for homeowners with flexible financing, rewarding perks and constant innovation, check out our homeowners page.

Or visit one of our many local pages to learn more about services in your neighborhood:

How to budget and plan for a bathroom renovation for your home or rental property.

What is the Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?

Kitchens may sell homes, but the bathroom can be a total make-or-break room too. Bathrooms are a private retreat where we can wash the day away and refresh ourselves — and a cramped dark space can seriously harsh this vibe. Whether you’re looking to remodel your own bathroom or planning to upgrade the investment in your rental home, this guide looks at the average costs of a bathroom remodel and how to plan for one. 

What should I budget for a bathroom remodel?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association has always recommended that homeowners budget between 5 - 10% of the value of their home as an appropriate investment into a bathroom remodel. That sounds like a neat little figure, but it’s way too simplified for a modern homeowner. This would mean that if your home is worth $750,000 for example, you should budget between $37,500 - $50,000 for a bathroom remodel budget. Are your pockets hurting yet? 

It would also suggest that if your home is worth $1.4million dollars (the median house price in San Francisco) this rule would have you spending $70,000+ for a bathroom remodel. You certainly could go this high for a lux high-end master bathroom, but in reality, depending on what you need and the quality of finishes, you may not even need to spend half that. To get a better picture of what people are spending on bathroom remodeling, we have pulled together some average costs across the country. 

What is the average cost of a bathroom remodel?

HomeGuide says the average bathroom remodel costs between $5,000 - $30,000. Smaller bathrooms and ensuites will be at the lower end of the scale, with master bathrooms higher. Angi puts the national average at $11,225, with renovations costing around $120 to $275 per square foot, depending on the quality of materials, labor, and layout changes.

The size, age and condition of the bathroom you’re looking to remodel will of course affect how much you need to spend to upgrade the space. The main factor that will really influence the cost of a bathroom remodel is just how much work you’re looking to do. There’s a big difference between updating a few fixtures and gutting a space to change the layout. 

There are three typical types of bathroom remodels:

1. Simple bathroom refresh
Cost guide: $2,500 - $15,000

This price range would allow you to replace the existing bathroom fixtures and update the design, like-for-like without any changes to the layout. This would include modest finishes including off-the-shelf options.

2. New bathroom remodel
Cost guide: $18,000 - $24,000

At this price point, you could install new fixtures and include some higher-end or luxury design finishes. This could also include some changes like a new vanity. 

3. Bathroom overhaul or luxury finishes
Cost guide: $26,000 - $35,000+

Sometimes everything has got to go, or an old bathroom layout just doesn’t make sense and align with what you or a potential buyer/resident wants. At this price point you could completely overhaul the bathroom, changing the location of fixtures and upgrading the materials. 

It’s also important to have a buffer in your budget. Especially in this era of wild inflation, a tight labor market and global stock shortages, prepare that you will need to spend more than you may have planned. Once you’ve set what you want to spend, you should plan to keep around 10-20% of that aside for unexpected expenses. If you suddenly find out that your dream tile went up by $2 sq/ft or your hot water heater needs to be replaced, having a buffer will take the stress out of the unexpected. 

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

When planning a bathroom remodel, there are four factors that will heavily influence the cost of your renovation:

Bathroom remodeling can involve a large cast of contractors, with different professionals and qualifications needed for plumbing, tiling, electrical work, drywall, demolition — the list goes on. Labor will take up to 20 - 50% of your remodel budget. There is also the dual-issue of rising inflation and contractor shortages that the US is currently facing, which means homeowners are often paying a premium on the average price from years past. 

To help find competitive quotes and instant access to vetted contractors, Belong has an extensive vendor network of over 10,000 professionals on hand. 

2. Moving fixtures or expanding the space

Replacing bathroom fixtures like-for-like is the simplest solution for a bathroom remodel. As soon as you decide to move toilets or make a bathroom larger, that is where the costs can add up. You will need to account for structural planning, demolition and extensive plumbing work to alter the layout. Additional electrical work will likely be needed for moving powerpoints and lighting too. 

For example, the cost of a new toilet can cost anywhere from $100 - $1,000, whereas moving a toilet could cost around $2,500 - $3,000+ due to the plumbing work required.  

Tile choice is also going to have an impact on the cost of a bathroom remodel. Tile prices can vary greatly per sq/ft and the more tiles you need, the higher the cost. So if you choose a beautiful accent tile and need it done floor-to-ceiling, your labor and tiling costs are going to be considerably higher than for a lower-end tile on a small ensuite with drywall outside of the shower. 

If you can choose a new vanity off-the-shelf from your local hardware store, this is going to be considerably cheaper than custom-designed cabinetry and countertops. If you don’t have the budget for custom work, consider this at the planning phase and look at standard sizing that can work for your space. 

Bathroom upgrades that will make people want to rent your home

When renting, you don’t get a lot of say in how your bathroom looks. That doesn’t mean there aren’t things on your wishlist though — and things you would happily pay more rent to have in your home. An upgraded or secondary bathroom is high on that list (second only to a great kitchen). 

As a homeowner, it’s worth keeping these wishlists in mind to attract quality long-term residents to your home. A bathroom remodel can make your rental home unmissable at inspection time, keeping your vacancy rates low and rental income profitable. 

When remodeling your home for the rental market, keep in mind the kind of renters you want to attract. For example, families like to have a bathtub for young kids (and Mom), so if you have a spacious home for rent in a family-friendly area, don’t skip the tub and plenty of storage in a bathroom remodel. If your home is marketed toward young professional couples, you could save money by having a shower-only and investing in other luxury touches or aesthetics to give the space a spa-like vibe. 

You should also consider the functionality of the space and the fact that you will foot the bill for repairs and maintenance. For example, it’s much cheaper to install a shower curtain over a glass door — but it could cost you more in the long run. Shower curtains have poor functionality, letting water pool in your bathroom and risking issues with mold and mildew over time. You should also consider how the bathroom will be ventilated and have contractors inspect for leaks or erosion that could be costly to fix down the line. 

Find out how to maximize your rental ROI with Belong

A home in great condition screams "love me!" If you want to reduce your vacancies and attract high quality residents that treat your home with respect (and pay top-dollar to live there), good repairs or a fresh update will go a long way.  

Belong has introduced a way to make sure preventive maintenance runs like clockwork. Add, pause or remove recurring services and maintenance subscriptions, right from the Belong app. From lawn mowing to gutter cleaning, set and forget your seasonal home maintenance and let Belong do all the work. This will also keep your expenses predictable, supporting your cash flow. And if unexpected repairs are needed or you want to refresh your bathrooms, we’ll let you spread the costs over the term of your lease agreement. 

These are a couple of the many ways Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate. Visit our homeowner's page to find out more about how our services are helping people to ditch property management in Seattle, Redmond, Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami and many more.

What is the average cost of a bathroom remodel? Find out with our guide on how to budget and plan for a bathroom renovation for your home or rental property.

All home remodel and renovations need a plan to avoid mistakes and budget blowouts. Here are 7 questions to ask to create your home remodeling project plan.

7 Questions That Will Help You Plan a Renovation Project or Remodel

As the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once”. It doesn’t matter if you’re after a small remodel or a major home addition, rushing into any construction project on your home can be a costly mistake. Creating a plan before you get started will keep your home renovation both on track and on budget. But where do you start? Hint: It’s not picking out the dream tile.

Before doing anything, here are 7 questions to ask to create your home remodeling project plan.

1. What is the main purpose of the home renovation or remodeling project?

Defining what you want out of a renovation is the best way to begin planning your home construction project.

It could be that you are looking to increase the value of your home, make the home more energy-efficient, or appeal to a broader range of residents before putting the home on the rental market. It could even be as simple as wanting a fresh look for your home. Whatever your reasons, defining them upfront will help when it comes to making decisions and staying on track.

If you want to increase the value of your home for example, you can plan upgrades that will get the highest return on investment. If you’re looking for sustainable, energy efficient solutions, you may be eligible for new tax credits and rebates. Defining the primary purpose of the remodel will help you focus your research, planning, and budget to stick to what is most important. It will also be helpful when it comes time to meet with contractors who can help make suggestions and bring this vision to life.

Discover Belong PRO: the best alternative to Property Management in Seattle, Redmond, Oakland, and many more cities across California, Florida and Washington State.

2. What budget can I afford to remodel my home?

This is an important one. Start crunching numbers early so you can have discussions with contractors around the cost of the project and materials. With a good plan in place, you should be able to work with your builder to develop a sensible budget. It’s easy for construction costs to blow out, especially in the current climate with global stock shortages and cost fluctuations.

Add 5% - 10% of your budget as a buffer for contingencies. This should cover the cost of inflation or potential issues that could arise to bring the property up to code.

3. Who will I need to hire to renovate my home?

Putting together a team for your home renovation is an essential part of your plan. A good contractor will help guide you through many of the questions you may have around budget, materials, timelines and permits. You will also need help with the design to ensure it is structurally sound and up to code.

If you're on the Belong PRO residential network, we can connect you to an extensive vendor network of over 10,000 professionals to help you get quotes fast. 

4. Do I need permits to start construction on my home?

Most cities need permits and building inspections by a local department before you can begin construction. This process can cause huge delays and frustration if you’re not prepared, so don’t leave anything to chance.

Some minor renovations won’t need a permit, such as painting, installing new flooring and countertops, or changing faucets. Any changes that alter the footprint of your home will. This may include decking, fences and even some plumbing and electrical work, so don’t leave it to chance and assume that you don’t need a building permit. If you’re installing a pool, you will likely need several permits, based on where your home is.

Take a trip to the nearest permit office to find out what your local municipality requires and the type of documentation you will need. If you’re unprepared, you could add significant delays to when you can start renovating your home.

5. Will the home need to be vacant during construction?

If you’re making modifications to your residential home, such as adding a new bathroom or sprucing up the exterior, you might be able to live with a bit of dust and inconvenience. But if you're taking on a major remodel or renovating a rental home, you will need to create a plan for the property to be vacant. This could include budgeting for a period without rental income — or even needing a rental home yourself for you and your family.

If you are staying in the home, make sure you have a plan for curious kids and pets who are at risk during a home renovation.

Like the residents of your home, you also need to consider the contents of your home and what you’ll do with them during the renovation. If you are remodeling a bathroom, you may simply need a temporary place for your toothbrush and daily skincare routine. If you’re ripping up floorboards, you are going to have to move furniture out and may need to budget for off-site storage. 

6. How will debris and rubbish be contained during construction?

Another thing to plan for is the inevitable cleanup when renovating your home. Protect nearby areas and soft furnishings with sheets or plastic covers to cut cleanup time.

You will also need to consider disposal of construction debris such as plasterboards, bricks, tiles, broken glass and pipes. In most cases, home construction and renovation projects will use a roll-off dumpster. Some municipalities require a permit to have the dumpster on-site, especially if there’s not enough room to accommodate it on your property.

If you are getting rid of aging appliances or salvageable materials such as doors and windows, look online to communities such as Buy Nothing or Nextdoor to see if anyone wants to use them for a more sustainable alternative to landfill.

7. How will the renovation or remodel be funded?

With your budget, permits, timeline and vacancy planned you will need to consider how you will be paying for the home renovation project. Options include:

Personal savings: If you have a small project or enough set aside, you could fund some or all of the project from a savings account.


Home equity: If you have enough equity in your home, you could redraw or borrow against this amount to invest back into the remodel of your home.


Mortgage refinancing: If you refinance your home, you could add more to put toward home improvements while also negotiating a better rate or terms for your mortgage.


Split It: Belong homeowners are pre-approved for financing to assist with renovations and repairs on their home. If your home is being rented on the Belong network, you could even pay off the cost of improvements by spreading out payments to be deducted from your rental income over the period of the lease — leaving you with positive cash flow, while also increasing the value of your home. 


Green incentives: If you’re making the home more energy-efficient, you could qualify for incentives to help fund your renovation project. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can help you find incentives and green loan policies by State or you may qualify for tax credits for certain upgrades.

Learn More: Is It Better To Finance a Renovation or Home Remodel or Pay in Cash?

Get the best price for your renovated rental home

If you've invested in getting a home up to scratch for the rental market, you'll want the best possible price to maximize your ROI. We've got you covered. Belong is simplifying the rental experience across the US and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals with the most hassle-free property management service; Belong PRO. 

See why thousands of US homeowners are ditching outdated Property Management in San Francisco,San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Jacksonville, Concord, Berkeley, Orlando and more.

Melanie Kershaw

Mel Kershaw is a Content Lead at Belong. With an extensive background working with technology companies including Eventbrite and Yelp, she’s always looking for ways to create educational and informative articles that simplifies tech and solves problems for her audience.

Jill Jaracz

Tyler Infelise

Belong

Eric Vandekerkhove

Andrea Vale

Jill Jaracz

Tyler Infelise

Belong

Eric Vandekerkhove

Andrea Vale