In Los Angeles, every home has a story. Some sell the moment they hit the market. Others take longer to find the right buyer. If your home has been sitting without the offers you hoped for, you may be asking yourself: Should I rent it instead of selling?
It’s a question many homeowners face, especially in markets like Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood where lifestyle and timing play such a big role. Let’s walk through the reality of renting versus selling, so you can make a clear, confident decision.
The Rise of the “Accidental Landlord”
More and more homeowners are becoming what the industry calls accidental landlords. These are sellers who hoped to move on but, when the right offer didn’t appear, chose to rent their property until conditions improved.
Sometimes it makes sense. But before you take that path, here’s what you need to consider.
1. Does Your Home Work as a Rental?
Not every property is designed for the rental market. Ask yourself:
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Does my neighborhood typically attract renters, and at what price point?
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Does my home need updates or repairs to be rental-ready?
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Will the rental income cover my mortgage and expenses?
If the math doesn’t balance, renting may feel like a short-term solution that brings long-term headaches.
2. Are You Ready To Be a Landlord?
On paper, renting looks like easy passive income. In reality, it can look more like this:
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Late-night calls about broken appliances
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Missed rent payments and legal follow-ups
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Repair costs between tenants
Unless you hire a property manager (which usually costs around 10% of the rent), you’re signing up for more responsibility than you might expect.
3. The Hidden Costs
Renting often comes with extra expenses:
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Higher insurance premiums
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Maintenance and management fees
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Vacancies between tenants
Those hidden costs add up fast — and can sometimes outweigh the benefit of holding onto the property.
When Selling May Be the Better Move
If you’re only considering renting because your listing didn’t attract the right buyers, there may be a better solution. In LA, pricing strategy and presentation are everything. Relisting at the right price point, staging, and tapping into international buyers can often bring the result you were waiting for.
The Bottom Line
Renting can work for the right home and the right person. But if your goal is to move forward — financially and emotionally — selling is often the cleaner, more strategic path.
Before you decide, weigh both options carefully. And if you’re not sure which direction is best for you, let’s talk. I can help you look at the numbers, the lifestyle impact, and what today’s LA market means for your property.
Thinking of selling your LA home? Let’s find the strategy that works for you.
