When it comes to selling multifamily property in Los Angeles, your rent roll tells a powerful story. A strong rent roll signals stable cash flow, high tenant demand, and well-managed operations, all factors that can significantly increase your sale price and attract competitive offers.
Whether you’re planning to sell in six months or two years, the time to optimize your property is now. Here are proven strategies to increase rental income in multifamily buildings and improve your asset’s performance before going to market.
1. Know the Market and Close the Gap
The first step is simple: benchmark your rents against nearby comps. In many parts of LA, long-term owners are leaving 15–30% on the table without realizing it.
Example: In Mid-City, average 1-bedroom rents hover around $2,150 (as of Q3 2025), but many older buildings are still charging under $1,800. In West Adams, renovated 2-bed units can command $2,600+, while unrenovated counterparts sit at $2,100 or less.
Action:
- Use platforms like Rentometer or Apartments.com to run quick rent comps.
- Better yet, reach out to The Jordan Group for a hyperlocal rent analysis based on real-time leasing data.
- If there’s a 15%+ gap between your units and the market average, you have room to grow—either through renovations, strategic leasing, or both.
2. Renovate Select Units for Higher Rents
Not every unit needs a complete gut job. Light to moderate renovations can yield some of the best ROI when targeting higher rent tiers.
High-impact, low-cost upgrades:
- Vinyl plank flooring
- Updated lighting and fixtures
- Stainless steel appliances
- New cabinet faces or refinishing
- In-unit laundry (where possible)
3. Add Income with Amenities & Fee Structures
Boosting income isn’t limited to base rent. Small additions can create new revenue streams that improve NOI without major capital investment.
Ideas to implement:
- RubS billing (Ratio Utility Billing System) to pass through water/trash/gas
- Laundry upgrades with card-operated or app-based machines
- Assigned parking with monthly fees
- Pet rent (typically $35–$50/month per animal)
- Storage unit rentals or on-site lockers
Many buyers underwrite based on actual income. Increasing ancillary revenue—even by a few hundred dollars per month—can improve perceived value by tens of thousands at sale.
4. Tighten Vacancy and Turnover
Vacant units are silent killers. Every month an apartment sits empty is lost income and opportunity. High turnover also drives up make-ready and leasing costs.
Best practices to minimize vacancies:
- Use professional photography and paid ads for listings Time lease expirations to spring/summer months, when demand peaks
- Pre-market upcoming vacancies 30–45 days out Offer small retention bonuses (e.g. $250 off the first month of a new lease) to high-quality tenants.
5. Implement Month-to-Month Premiums
Month-to-month tenants are common in LA, but they carry risk. They also represent an opportunity.
Solution : Charge a month-to-month premium (typically $100–$200 above lease rates). Many tenants will convert to fixed terms when presented with the option, giving you more predictability and leverage during a sale.
6. Legal Considerations and Rent Control
In Los Angeles, navigating rent control ordinances (LARSO or statewide AB 1482) is critical. Some strategies are only available for non-rent-controlled units, while others must be implemented carefully to avoid legal issues.
Smart approach:
- Understand which rules apply to your building (year built, unit count, etc.)
- For rent-controlled properties, explore cash-for-keys agreements (with legal counsel) to vacate low-rent units legally
- Always provide proper notice and follow compliance procedures when raising rent or modifying terms
Wrap-Up: Your Rent Roll is Your Leverage
A strong rent roll doesn’t just make your property more profitable—it also makes it more sellable. Buyers want predictable income and upside. By optimizing your rents, reducing vacancy, and adding ancillary income, you position your asset as a high-performing investment.
At The Jordan Group, we specialize in helping owners increase rental income in multifamily properties before going to market. From value-add planning to rent comp analysis, we help maximize property performance and drive higher sale prices.
Thinking about selling in the next 6 to 18 months?
Let’s talk strategy and put a plan in place to boost your value before listing.
