All Forum Posts by: Jacqua Le Fleur

Thank you all. I am going to stick to California's 2 +1 standard, and Im going to take the approach you have mentioned - to simply say that the unit has been rented to somebody else.

Greetings all. Quick question. I want to make sure that I am correct in upholding my occupancy limitation of 2 people for my 1 bedroom rental property. I read the Fair Housing Memo which outlined their interpretation of the minimum occupancy to be 2 persons per bedroom.  I've reached out to Building and Safety Dept. in Los Angeles with no luck in getting a clear answer. Can anyone help clarify this. Can I legally reject an applicant for my 1 bedroom rental if they are a single parent with 2 kids ( equals 3 total people)? What about if its 2 adults and a 5 year old? Is that 3 people? What is the age threshold that constitutes an additional "person?" What are my options? Thank you all in advance.  

@Timur Salikov Hi Timur, I just moved into to Boyle Heights this past year. I have a very similar setup as you do. Do you mind if I pick your brain a bit? 

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Hi @Bobby Cauley Jr.. Welcome! I am in the same boat as you. I purchased 2 houses on 1 lot in November in the Eastside. Everything is a first for me, home ownership and becoming a landlord. I live in one house and plan to rent the other. The process of turning the rental unit and the lot into a more modern, safe and inviting environment has been slow since I am doing everything myself. I can't offer you too much advice from a landlord's perspective because I am still green in this area but I can offer some advice with purchasing. Others have recommended that you focus to points near metro subway stations. I completely agree and I am happily situated 1/2 a mile from 2 separate subway stations. If you feel comfortable about the purchasing process, escrow, inspections, and you aren't loaded with purchasing power (like I was not), I would advise you to consider working with the Seller's Agent. 

I went through so many purchasing agents during my vigorous search to buy duplexes or SFR homes in various NELA neighborhoods. I came to realize that my budget was not alluring enough to the sellers agent because it didn't generate enough commission for them. I couldn't compete with the other offers who were going All Cash, or dropping all contingencies and going over the asking the price. I learned a lot during my 1 year search. I placed many offers, came close on many, walked away from a handful of houses that accepted my offer, and got outbid by many other offers.

In the end I chose to trust myself and my knowledge of the "game" and the "incentives" for the agents and I bought my properties by working with the sellers agent. The 6% commission they made from working with me was able to beat out other peoples offers because I was also flexible with the terms of the offer. Money talks but if your like me and not "loaded" with cash, you can still hack the purchasing process to your favor. Just know your area of interest, know the direction that your area is going in the future, follow the Metro stations, know the sacred pillars of a good home (foundation, roof, plumbing, etc), and one more thing, pay more attention to homes with ugly photos on the MLS. I think they are better because less people will have an interest and they will decide not to go to the open house. Good luck :)

I agree @Manolo D. I have a long term outlook on this purchase while also "killing 2 birds with 1 stone." I get to continue to living minutes from my job, no longer have to deal with rent increases and other shenanigans that I was dealing with in the past, someone else will help offset a majority of my mortgage. I just hope LA continues its momentum towards a "true" world class hub city so all of that glitz can lead to greater equity in my neck of the woods. 

Sounds good. I'll message you. 

Thank you. great info @Joel A.

Thanks @Steve Jones and @Nabil Suleiman. Can I hire an agent to draw up the C.A.R Lease Agreement? Or does working with an agent mean that I will subscribe to their management services of the rental unit?

I assume that an attorney would be a one shot deal and just draw up the lease for me. What's a typical fee from an agent and from an attorney? Do you have any recommendations? Thank you very much.

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone recommend where I can secure a lease agreement that is best suited for a Rent Control Unit in Los Angeles City? A customized lease agreement would also work because I could write in specific language about common areas, separate entrances and off limit areas. Thanks everyone.

Best,