6 Apartment Hunting Tips for L.A. Renters

We all know life in L.A. is rarely dull, with engaging events, varied job opportunities, and vibrant nightlife adding to its charm. Because it’s such a wonderful place to live, finding a great home in Los Angeles can be challenging (and by great we mean a reasonably priced abode in a good neighborhood).

If you’re looking to relocate, expect lots of renters and a decreasing number of available units, which usually translates into high rents and a competitive market. We’ve collected a few tips that can help you better navigate the L.A. rental jungle and get the upper hand on the competition.

1. Embrace the idea

Apartment hunting doesn’t have to be an ordeal. It can actually turn into a fun experience if you look at it the right way. See it as a chance to learn more about the City of Angels and your fellow Angelenos, explore the neighborhoods, and enjoy your surroundings. By taking the time to walk the streets you may discover places you never knew that existed, cozy coffee shops, nice residential enclaves, or charming vintage shops which you’ll want to revisit every time to get the chance.

Santamonica At Federal Apartments in West Los Angeles

2. What can you afford?

Take some time to assess your necessities and your dollar limit for monthly rent and utilities. The traditional way to calculate an acceptable monthly rent for your income is to limit it to about 30% of your gross pay. That should leave you with enough dough to take care of your other living expenses like food, transportation, entertainment, or education. An online budget calculator will provide you with an easy way to keep a track of your own personal cash flow, no need for accounting skills.

3. Location, location, location

It’s no secret that real estate is a hot commodity in L.A., especially in hyped areas such as Beverly Hills, Wilshire, or West Hollywood. But there are many other places that burst with city life and positive energy without bearing the celebrity mark (read: hefty price tags).

Westwood is just an example of how great a neighborhood can be, with relatively affordable apartments, farmers markets, green parks, and gorgeous views. Being so close to both UCLA and USC, the neighborhood is home to many young professionals and students which definitely give it a more laid-back feel. On the same note, Sawtelle has a great vibe with well-manicured green spaces, lots of retail outlets, and Tuscan-styled apartment communities.

4. What are your must-haves?

In further exploring your housing options, consider what you expect from your next LA apartment. Is location a decisive factor in your selection process? Or are you more inclined towards getting more space for less money? Or maybe you’re a pet owner. Then don’t forget to add pet friendliness to your list of community amenities. Are you intent on keeping fit? Look for complexes that feature fitness centers, tennis courts, or swimming pools. What about green living? Is that something you care about? Then sustainability should also go on your must-haves list.

The Legacy at Westwood Apartments in Los Angeles

5. Take your search online

Once you’ve identified your must-haves and a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle, you may start exploring available communities in that area. RentCafe holds many interesting options that address every taste and budget, from affordable studios to modern homes with expansive floor plans. What’s even better is that you can actually complete the entire rental process online from identifying the property you want to picking a unit, submitting a rental application and getting in touch with the property manager. It’s that easy!

6. Is the price right?

If you found a place that you really like, it might be wise to check if the asking rent is aligned with the rest of the market. How do you do that? Well, all it takes is a little online investigation. Sites like Rentometer will let you compare what your landlord is asking against other similar units in the same area. This way you’ll at least have an idea about what other people are willing to pay to live there and if there is any room for negotiation with the landlord.

P.S. Once you find that perfect place, be sure to sell yourself effectively. Landlords look to secure good, reliable tenants for their properties, so if you have great credit let the landlord know up front. Same goes for your rent payment history: if you’ve never been late, let him know right away, and also tell him if you plan on getting renter’s insurance. This will surely help you score some extra points and get you ahead of the competition.

Have you got any tips to share with first-time apartment renters? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.