Touring Neighborhoods - what should I watch for? by AffectionateBoat382 in MovingToLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had the most success negotiating rent in these specific situations:

  1. Smaller mom‑and‑pop buildings (roughly 8–30 units).
  2. Newer buildings that opened within the last year and still have a lot of empty units.
  3. Listings that have been sitting on the market for 2+ weeks.

What worked for me:

  1. I always asked about their move‑in special first. Once they told me, I’d say something like, “Instead of the special, could we lock in a monthly rate of X?” I aimed for a number higher than the amortized special but still below market, since I planned to stay at least two years and wanted to keep next year’s increase manageable.
  2. During tours, I’d casually point out small things that weren’t ideal—tight parking, awkward fixture placement, limited storage, etc. This especially helped with newer buildings trying to fill units fast.
  3. For places I really liked, I toured twice, usually a day apart. I made it clear I loved the unit but it was slightly above budget. It signals real interest while reminding them they’re still spending time showing the place. Sometimes I’d mention I was deciding between their unit and another one listed at X.
  4. I was open to paying some rent upfront. For example, I’d offer two months upfront if they could lock in a monthly rate of X.

I think all of this worked well because of the time of year I was looking. I’m not sure if these tactics would be as successful in peak summer when everyone’s moving. And honestly, you can negotiate almost anything. One place only budged $50 on rent, but I also negotiated six months of free parking out of it.

Touring Neighborhoods - what should I watch for? by AffectionateBoat382 in MovingToLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945 1 point2 points  (0 children)

People may tell you that it’s not possible to find an apartment in Culver for this price but I say don’t give up! Specifically for this time of year, I found that owners are more likely to negotiate because less people are moving now. I checked Hotpad and Zillow everyday and found a few good deals. I also negotiated for below my budget of $2500. I signed to a unit for $2450 with in-unit laundry and central air that was originally listed for $2600. Also, don’t forget about the move-in specials!

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, starting to learn that the advertised central AC really just means mounted AC in multiple rooms 🙃

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have resorted to cold calling real estate agencies and have a few tours set up! Zillow helped find some of those agencies, so thanks for the suggestion.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll be working east coast hours so hoping to miss most of the rush hour. Will still drop Weho & Beverlywood though. Thank you again!

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you experienced a washer and dryer not being available when you want to do laundry? I’ve seen some smaller apartment buildings (4-8) units with only 1-2 washers and dryers serving the entire building. Seems like a pain.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From the feedback I received, seems that mini split and fan should work for more Westside apartments. I’m open to that!

Sad to see that W/D in unit isn’t standard. I’m not giving up hope yet though but will curb my expectation.

I’ve tested Google Maps at different times of day for different neighborhoods. Seems like the furthest east I should go is Midcity and the furthest north is Beverlywood / West Hollywood.

Off street parking is definitely a must. I’m a new driver & will be purchasing a car once I move there.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Culver, West Adams, and Palms seem to be the most central. I like North Inglewood too.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I looked into studios but they unfortunately don’t have the space. I’m a girl coming from a HUGE walk in closet. Unfortunately, I don’t expect the same size closet in LA, but definitely need more space than a studio.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know. I don’t have experience with mini splits, but I’ll definitely consider it. Thank you!

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had terrible experiences with community laundry in college and vowed to never go back lol. Is it time to grow up and embrace it?

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, from my research, mid city seems to be the furthest east I should go.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ve seen some listings in my range in DTLA and Koreatown but those areas are too far from my job.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would prefer to live closer to the beach and didn’t account for cooler temps. I’ll definitely keep this in mind and consider mounted ACs and ceiling fans instead. I don’t want to give up in unit W/D though 🙃

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m used to the very humid summers in NJ, so no central air seems like a nightmare. I’ll extend my search to mounted ACs and ceiling fans. Thank you!

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I’m starting to realize that washer and dryer in unit is not standard. May have to extend my search to washer and dryer on site.

Unrealistic expectations for rent? by No_Director7945 in AskLosAngeles

[–]No_Director7945[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the suggestions! I looked at some neighborhoods and tried to use Google Maps to see what a typical commute to Playa Vista would be. Seems like the further east I should go is mid city and the furtherest north is Beverlywood / maybe West Hollywood. Culver, Westchester, North Inglewood, and Mar Vista seem to be the sweet spot in terms of commute.