Co-Founder & Head of Product

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GM of San Diego

Co-founder & CEO

We found the 9 top-rated property management companies in California, as rated by real landlords on Google. Find out why Belong outperforms them all.

We Outrank The Best Property Management Companies in California

The results are in: we found the top-rated property management companies in California, as rated by real landlords on Google. And Belong outranks them all. All things created equal, if you were to review a top-10 list of businesses rated 4.5 stars and above, by over 100 people in the Cali rental market, Belong comes in at #1. 

But it’s not equal. Because Belong should be on a new list entirely. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot to compare against Belong services, so we have included property management companies so you can see the difference. 

When comparing property management companies in Los Angeles or San Diego, you’ll find a sea of sameness, with few unique traits between them. How much do they charge for management fees and how often you are going to get slogged for more. For a long time, the industry hasn’t offered homeowners much choice, other than going it alone.  

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. 

Belong's smarter, future-ready services include:

Guaranteed rent every month, regardless of if or when your residents pay

Optimized rental pricing that uses technology and real-time demand to price your home with accuracy

The Belong app that gives you and your residents access to everything you need

Innovative financial products including the option to spread maintenance payments over the term of your lease agreement

Access to dedicated landlords insurance to protect your asset (as well as coverage for your residents)

Integration with the most popular rental platforms to get your home loved faster

Instant access to an expansive vendor network of over 10,000 professionals that can handle everything from routine repairs to home upgrades

And even though Belong isn’t a property manager, the reviews outrank those who are. Check out Belong’s top-ranked listing before you compare with the rest:

Address: 100 S Ellsworth Ave Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94401

Website: https://belonghome.com/homeowners

Google Rating: 4.8 Stars (based on 368 reviews)

Areas Served: San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles Area, Orange County, San Diego (plus many more across the country and growing fast!)

24/7 Support: Yes, both landlords and tenants get 24/7 concierge support

3D/Virtual tour: Yes (included free of charge) 

Evictions: For evictions of tenants chosen by Belong (not existing leases or tenants), Belong will cover legal costs up to $15,000. 

9 top-ranked property management companies in California

Note: Details and pricing are based on internet research conducted in May 2022 and are subject to change by the companies featured, so please speak to these companies directly before making any final decisions. 

Address: 6800 Indiana Ave #110, Riverside, CA 92506

Google Rating: 4.8 (based on 1263 reviews)

Areas Served: Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, Corona, Eastvale, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula

Evictions: $250 per day for any court appearances. In the event that a resident needs to be removed, Management One will pay for the eviction and coordinate the process up to $1200 (available with the 9% full-service plan or above only).

Address: 295 W Henderson Ave, Porterville, CA 93257

Google Rating: 4.7 (based on 236 reviews)

Areas Served: Franchised, 250+ locations in 46 states

3D/Virtual tour: Yes (premium pricing only)

Evictions: Eviction Support that covers attorney and court filing fees is available on Premium and Platinum pricing

Address: 7851 Mission Center Ct #208, San Diego, CA 92108

Google Rating: 4.7 (based on 101 reviews)

Areas Served: Southern California, San Diego area

Couldn’t be happier with the sterling staff at Belong. Everyone has been so helpful and so responsive, I have been impressed by Belong folks at every stage of the process involved in listing my home. They’re super professional and I’m confident my home is in good hands :)  Highly highly recommend!!” - Karen T

A totally hassle and hands free experience…they guided us every step of our way. They answered our questions quickly, rented out home quickly, and paid on time. Super recommended!!!" - Chunrong W

The Belong team was solution oriented, compassionate, internally coordinated / on the same page, and generally easy to work with good communicators. They set expectations high for owner, renter, and property care.” - Toby L

Think your home belongs with us on the Californian rental market? Click your area to learn more and find out if you qualify:

Earn Guaranteed Rent Every Month

If you own an investment property on the rental market, you need to be aware of these 5 strategies to save on tax and defer capital gains.

Tax Strategies for Rental Investors: 5 Ways To Make A Home Less Taxing

Did you know that letting your family and friends stay in your rental property could change your tax deductions? Or that if you’ve lived in the home in the past five years, you may be exempt from capital gains tax? There are plenty of tax benefits when it comes to your rental property, but how you use and even change the home can influence what you can and can’t claim. This article will cover five tax strategies that all rental property investors should be aware of. 

This article helps to highlight five tax strategies that rental property investors should be aware of, but should not be considered financial advice. Please speak to an accountant or financial advisor to discuss your individual situation and eligibility.            

5 key tax strategies for rental property investors

Strategy #1: Keep accurate records of all expenses

Investment properties attract a range of tax deductions, but to make use of this strategy you will need to ensure that you keep accurate records of spending and that expenses are necessary to operate your property as a rental home. 

There is a difference between necessities and ‘nice to haves’, which are not claimable. For example, if you repaired a broken heater, this is a claimable tax deduction. If you decided to upgrade the property by installing a new HVAC system, that would be considered a ‘capital improvement’ to increase the value of the home and doesn’t qualify as essential repairs and maintenance. Capital improvements need to be claimed under depreciation, which we will cover next. 

It’s also important to note that deductions only apply to properties used as rental investments, not any personal use. That means if you use the property for family holidays or your Great-Uncle Donny moves in for a couple of months, you won’t be able to claim any expenses related to those periods. 

The simplest way to make use of the full tax deductions available is to find a long-term resident to rent your home.

Common tax deductions for rental properties include: 

Interest paid on a mortgage on a rental property

Professional fees for advice and assistance on your rental property, including accountants, property management fees, Belong fees, and legal advice

Any utilities you cover on behalf of rental residents, such as electricity, landscaping

Necessary repairs and regular maintenance

Strategy #2: Offset your income with the depreciation of your rental property

While there are plenty of necessary items you can claim on tax, you can’t deduct your mortgage or principal payments, or the cost of things like furniture, fixtures, or improvements as an expense. What you can do, however, is deduct the decline in value on the part of the property used for rental purposes. This can be used to offset your income and lower tax liability on capital gains from the investment. 

Known as depreciation, it’s one of the most appealing and impactful tax strategies for rental property owners. Depreciation allows you to deduct costs associated with buying and improving your rental property. Rather than happening in one big deduction, depreciation distributes the cost over the functional life of the property (calculated at 27.5 years). 

An accountant can help you work out the nitty-gritty details of what you can and can’t claim, but to summarize, there are a few important factors that the IRS considers with depreciation:

Most items that are 10-20 years old are worth less than when they are brand new, but for homes, they usually appreciate over time. This is due largely to the land value. For this reason, depreciation only applies to the usable home structure that is in service as a rental, so you will need to calculate the cost/value of the building excluding the land value. This value of the house, regardless of condition, is divided by 27.5 to calculate the annual depreciation of your real estate investment. 

A rental property can’t be depreciated if you stop using it as a rental in the same year. So if you sell it, the structure is destroyed/abandoned, or you take it out of service for personal use, you will not be eligible to claim depreciation in that year.

You can continue to claim a depreciation deduction for property that's temporarily not in use, for example during vacancies between residents or if you are making repairs/improvements to a property in preparation for the next resident. 

Capital improvements made to the house (e.g. a new deck, renovated kitchen, installing an HVAC system) need to be added to the value of the property and can also be depreciated as they make up the value of your home, rather than being a necessary expense. Add the amount an improvement costs you, including any amount borrowed, labor and material costs, as well as consulting expenses such as architect fees or surveying. 

Depreciation reduces your basis for figuring gain or loss on a later sale or exchange.

Strategy #3: Limit capital gains on the sale

If you have lived in your home before putting it on the rental market, you could be exempt from capital gains when it comes time to sell. Homeowners are exempt from up to $250k (if single) and $500k (if married) of capital gains on the sale of a primary residence. In order to qualify as a primary residence, you must have occupied the home for two of the last five years, though they need not be consecutive. Spouses filing jointly must both have occupied the property. This exemption is only allowable once every two years.

If you’ve never lived in the home or don’t qualify for the exemption, you can limit your tax liability by keeping good records of all improvements made to the home. As mentioned above, this is because they can be used under depreciation to reduce capital gain. 

Strategy #4: Defer capital gains by investing in a Qualified Opportunity Zone

You can defer capital gains if you reinvest in a rental property in communities that are in need of economic stimulation and job creation. This is because in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts created a tax incentive to support investment in these communities. Investments include properties for lease, so long as the lease is at market rate and entered into after December 31, 2017. 

There are over 8,000 communities across all 50 states that are certified as Qualified Opportunity Zones, including ~800 in California). You can search for addresses on a map, here. 

There is additional paperwork required to elect to defer tax on eligible gains invested in Qualified Opportunity Zones, so make sure you speak to an accountant for assistance on how to complete these forms and get up to speed with a financial advisor before making any decisions on investing. The IRS also has an FAQ page on Opportunity Zones here. 

Strategy #5: Defer capital gains by replacing investment properties with another when selling

If you sell an investment property for more than its depreciated value, you may be required to “recapture” the depreciation. This means the amount of depreciation will be included in your taxable income from the sale of the property.

With a big jump in housing value over the past few years, if you sell a real estate investment now, it’s very likely you will pay capital gains tax. But if you buy another similar property to replace it, you could be eligible for a 1031 exchange or “like-kind” exchange. 

The advantage of a 1031 exchange is that it lets you defer capital gains tax, so you have more net cash to invest in a replacement property.

Homeowners use a 1031 exchange for a number of reasons, including:

Buying a property that promises to offer a better return;

You can find more information on 1031 exchanges in an article we wrote here, or speak to an accountant or financial advisor about your circumstances. 

Simplifying tax time for real estate investors 

Managing the paperwork and tracking expenses from a rental property gets complicated fast. Especially if you own more than one home or decide to manage the work yourself. By partnering with a modern company like Belong, everything gets easier. 

When tax time comes around, your income and expenses will be simple to calculate because you always know exactly where you stand. With guaranteed rent in place, you will know precisely what your rental income looks like (regardless of when residents pay). And you won’t find yourself getting tripped up by a string of unexpected expenses. Find out if your rental home qualifies at belonghome.com/homeowners. 

When it's time to upgrade your rental, it's important to choose projects to yield the highest ROI. Here are 5 high-value rental renovation ideas to consider.

The 5 Best Home Improvements for the Highest ROI

Renovating a rental property can be a great way to increase the value of your home and rental return. Here are 5 ideas for achieving the highest return on investment when remodeling a rental property.

Are you thinking of making some changes to your rental property? As a landlord, it’s your job to make sure that your rental property is the best it can be. This could mean anything from adding upgrades like new appliances, hardwood floors, or a fresh coat of paint to upgrading your property’s electrical system or installing a new roof. When it comes to making home improvements, there are a lot of factors to consider. Not all projects are created equal and some will offer a better return on investment (ROI)  than others. 

According to Remodeling Magazine, the average home-related remodeling project costs around $35,000 with an average return on investment (ROI) of 138% in additional home value. But how do you know what upgrades are more likely to increase the value of your property?

Whether you’re a landlord looking to modernize your rental or just planning on selling your home in the near future, here are the top five home improvements with the best ROI. 

1. Renovate or remodel the kitchen and bathroom

The kitchen is the heart of your home – it’s where you cook, eat, and entertain. While a kitchen renovation can be a daunting and expensive undertaking, it’s also one of the best investments you can make. When planning a kitchen renovation, it’s important to focus on the features that will give you the best ROI. Some of the most popular and effective kitchen renovations include expanding the space, updating appliances and fixtures, and adding storage.

Likewise, bathroom remodels are always a great investment. You can save money on your water bill by installing low-flow toilets and showerheads. You can also create more storage space with creative cabinet choices. If you're thinking of putting your property on the market, a bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to increase its value.

2. Repaint the exterior and interior of your home



One of the most cost-effective ways to add value to your home is by painting. A fresh coat of paint can make any room look new and updated. Select neutral tones that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Painting the exterior makes a huge difference in your property’s curb appeal and is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make.

Replace old, drafty windows with new, energy-efficient ones to save you money on your heating and cooling bills year after year. Installing new energy efficient windows can also help add value to your property by making your home more comfortable. When choosing new windows, be sure to look for ones that are ENERGY STAR® certified and have Low-E glass.

Flooring can be a dealbreaker when it comes to selling a home. While hardwood floors are usually the most desirable, laminate flooring is also a good option for those who are on a budget. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also becoming a popular option, as it is designed to mimic stone or wood without the upkeep. The best thing you can do to make your property more appealing is to keep the flooring consistent throughout. 

Laura Diamantoni, of The Diamantoni Group is a licensed Realtor with Realty One Group and the owner of Red Canna LLC. Laura has been investing in real estate for over a decade, rehabbing properties for resale as well as long- and short-term rentals and has worked with every type of property from Section 8 to Executive rentals. 

“My rule of thumb when making upgrades, is to do it like you are the one who is going to be living there. When I am rehabbing a property, the first thing I look at is the flooring. I hardly ever put carpet into my properties, instead I opt for hard surface flooring. It just gives the property a cleaner, neater look. If the property has original hardwood floors, I will sand them down and refinish them, adding a tint into the poly to even out stains and correct UV damage.” 

First impressions matter and you want your home to look its best when welcoming visitors or potential buyers. Many people don’t realize that landscaping can also be a great investment, with some projects providing over a 200% ROI.

Improving your landscaping, adding a deck or patio, or even just power washing your siding can make a big difference in how much your home is worth.

Shane Kuhns, of the Shane Kuhns Team leads one of the top-producing teams for Berkshire Hathaway and is the recipient of The Chairman’s Platinum Award. His team has members in both Pennsylvania and Florida. According to him, these are the top four landscape improvements worth considering:

Seeding your lawn to fill in any divots or gaps (417% ROI)

Investing in standard lawn care (303% ROI)

(STATISTICS: National Association of Realtors)

How do I know what improvements I should make?

If you're thinking about making some home improvements, Kuhns says it's a good idea to look at comparable properties that are on the market, as well as how quickly similar properties in your neighborhood are increasing in value. This will help you gauge what kind of improvements are likely to add the most value to your home. “No amount of upgrades will change those numbers,” says Kuhns.

When advising property owners, Kuhns also says not to get too hung up on the latest design trends. “Design trends change almost every six months, so it’s important to make upgrades that will stand the test of time, for example, choosing a more neutral palette.” 

Belong eliminates the hassle of rental property maintenance

When your home is with Belong, it will always stay well-maintained thanks to our extensive vendor network of over 10,000 professionals. Belong's vetted team can conduct initial and quarterly maintenance inspections throughout your lease term and are available to handle repair requests 24/7 through the app. 

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.

Belong is making renting loveable for homeowners with flexible financing, rewarding perks and constant innovation. 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.

Tyler Infelise

Natalie McNeal

Brett Jaffe

Jordan Newsom

Ale Resnik

Lucas Hanft

Natalie McNeal

Brett Jaffe

Jordan Newsom

Ale Resnik

Lucas Hanft