I recently met a family that decided to rent out their home without being able to organize it first. It was a house owned by their parents in Long Beach, and when it came time to list it for rent, they were unsure where to start. They thought they could just take a few pictures and post them on the neighborhood bulletin board, but after more than a week, they hadn't received a single inquiry. They had to reassess where and how to advertise.

The first thing to check in such cases is the rental price. As of August 2026, the average rent in Long Beach is around $1,995 (according to Zumper). This figure represents the citywide average, so it should be adjusted based on the size of the house, number of bedrooms, location, and condition. If the price is set too high, the vacancy will only extend, and if it's set too low, it will be difficult to raise it later. The first step is to check how much similar properties are listed for.

Once the rent is set, the next step is advertising. Listing the property on major platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Zumper simultaneously is a way to increase inquiries. Photos should be taken during the day when natural light is available, and it's advisable to include information that can reduce inquiries, such as the number of rooms, parking availability, and whether pets are allowed.

When inquiries start coming in, you move on to the tenant screening stage. The basics include credit score, proof of income, and previous rental history. Income is often based on a standard of three times the rent, and credit checks are conducted with the tenant's consent. It's important to apply the same criteria to all applicants. Applying different standards to one applicant can lead to issues later on.

During the contract stage, it's essential to specify the rental period, rent amount and due date, security deposit amount, maintenance responsibilities, and termination conditions without omission. Verbal agreements can easily become the seeds of disputes later.

• Check recent rental prices for similar properties
• Advertise with photos and conditions on multiple platforms
• Screen tenants using credit score, proof of income, and rental history
• Specify rental period, rent, security deposit, and repair responsibilities in the contract
• Check security deposit limits and return deadlines, as well as notice periods

According to AB 12, effective July 2024 in California, the security deposit limit is set at one month's rent. However, individual landlords with four or fewer rental properties can receive up to two months' rent as an exception. After a tenant vacates, the security deposit must be returned or a deduction statement sent within 21 days (California Civil Code Section 1950.5). If rent is not paid, procedures can be initiated after a three-day notice, and to terminate the contract without special reason, a notice must be given 30 days in advance for less than one year of residence, and 60 days for more than one year.

When receiving tenant applications, there may be a screening fee, but California has set a cap on this fee. As of 2026, the cap is $65.86 and is adjusted annually according to inflation (Civil Code Section 1950.6). If the actual screening cost is less than this, the remaining amount must be refunded to the applicant.

There are additional regulations regarding rent increases and contract termination. For buildings over 15 years old, AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to the inflation rate plus 5%, with a maximum of 10%. If a tenant has lived there for more than 12 months, the contract cannot be terminated without just cause, but single-family homes owned by individuals can be exempt if this fact is stated in the contract.

During the rental period, landlords are also obligated to maintain essential facilities such as plumbing, heating, and security screens. It is a principle to respond to repair requests within a reasonable timeframe.

All these procedures may vary based on state and county regulations. If you are renting for the first time, it is advisable to consult with a real estate professional or a rental law attorney before drafting a contract. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for legal advice.