Renting to Students in Los Angeles

Renting to Students in Los Angeles: A Property Manager’s Perspective

As a professional broker and property manager here in Los Angeles, I’ve worked with plenty of rentals around Westchester near LMU, Santa Monica College, and UCLA. And the question always comes up: *“Aren’t you worried students will throw parties and trash the place?”*

It’s a common fear. People imagine frat parties, loud music, and property damage. But honestly, my experiences renting to students have been quite positive. Many of them are respectful, conscientious tenants who simply want a quiet place to live while they study.

Fair Housing Laws: Watch Your Language

Fair Housing laws don’t specifically list “student” as a protected class. But even so, it’s crucial to avoid discussing or advertising properties using the word “student.” Using that language might unintentionally suggest that tenant decisions are based on age, school enrollment, or family situation—which can overlap with protected categories.

Co-signers & Screening

Many student applicants come with parents willing to co-sign. As an owner or manager, you’re not legally obligated to accept co-signers. However, declining all co-signers as a blanket policy can look like excluding students altogether—which could raise fair housing concerns, even if unintentional. I always recommend reviewing applications case by case instead of using broad rules that might appear discriminatory.

Full Rent Payments & House Rules

One practical tip I’ve learned is to **always require the full rent amount in a single payment.** I never accept “split payments” from each roommate because that can get messy fast. Instead, I make it clear in the lease that rent is due in full, from one responsible party, every month.

**House rules are also critical.** Whether it’s noise, guests, parking, or trash day, I spell everything out upfront. It’s not about singling out students—it’s about making sure all tenants know what’s expected and helping them be good neighbors.

Regular Cleaning & Inspections

In some cases, I require tenants—whether students or not—to schedule regular professional cleaning or allow periodic inspections. It helps keep the property in great condition and ensures any issues are caught early. Ultimately, the decision to implement these requirements is up to the property owner.

So while there’s a stigma about renting to students, my real-world experience has been that with fair policies, clear communication, and proper management, students can be excellent tenants. They’re just looking for a safe, comfortable place to live—like anyone else.

Visit Keybox Properties to learn more about our leasing and property management services across Los Angeles.