5 apartment portals to score your dream LA home

Looking for some leads for finding that perfect pad in Los Angeles? Whether you are searching for an apartment from overseas or another state, it’s easier if you know where to start looking. Looking at the best apartment portals for finding Los Angeles housing will make the hunt straightforward. Search filters will hone in on the basics like a neighborhood or number of bedrooms. With them, whittle away what can seem like never-ending listings to find a place with a doorman, where pets are allowed, or any other residential must-haves.

Another fundamental factor you may require is flexible accommodation for a mid-to-long-term stay. Many people move to Los Angeles as freelancers, for a school semester or to undertake business projects. In these situations, ideally, you want a flexible lease without compromising on accommodation standards or blowing a budget. Instead of staying in a hotel, you could rent a Blueground apartment for the duration of a month or more. Each listing in Los Angeles is fully furnished and completely equipped, with the benefit of app-enabled guest support. Conveniently, utilities are connected from the move-in date so everything is ready for you to show up and start living.

Make apartment searching easier

There are a few ways you can make the task of searching for an apartment in Los Angeles more efficient. Firstly, do your homework on what the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles are like to live in. Look into things like public transit, public parks, and good schools. Check out how an area can enrich your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a fitness studio, vibrant nightlife, or a local foodie scene.

Once you’ve selected what areas are of interest, save a search and sign up for alerts on properties that match your criteria. Download the mobile app for whichever apartment portal you are using. Even though you’ve set yourself up to see available rentals on the go, if you see one you’re interested in, you want to be able to act quickly. It’s easier to stay a step ahead of other interested parties by having all the usual application documents ready. Mostly all rentals are advertised online, however, eagle-eyed house hunters might spot a for rent sign in the street.

Best apartment portal options

Start searching today for a new place to live in Los Angeles with these popular online apartment portals. Once you’ve found a place, make moving a breeze by hiring one of the best moving companies in Los Angeles to do the heavy lifting for you.

HotPads

Try HotPads, the map-based apartment rental portal, for verified listings with real-time property updates. The site has fraud protection technology so you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re looking at quality listings. Beyond the search basics like neighborhood and price, you can filter by keywords for specifics like hardwood flooring. Another handy feature of HotPads is the maps that highlight how you can get around on public transit or by bike.

Padmapper

With PadMapper, you can search using a real-time filter that displays available listings on a full-screen map. You can even get super specific and use a keyword search for places you’d like to ‘live by’ like “Whole Foods”. You can save a list of searches or favorites and opt to ‘compare to another listing’ to see similar types of properties. For more rental reading, you can subscribe to their blog which features posts on ‘apartment hunting’ and ‘apartment living’.

Zillow

This portal enables you to view rental listings via aerial or street view. The site also features maps that highlight schools rated low to high. On Zillow, listings you see labeled as ‘verified source’ are from established property managers. You can opt to ‘show only’ rentals that have onsite parking, in-unit laundry, and allow pets. They also offer a ‘rent affordability calculator’ which factors in how much money to budget for the California cost of living. It’s worth noting the site doesn’t list seasonal, short-term, or vacation rentals.

Zumper

When you search for a rental on Zumper you’ll be able to see results in list or map formats with detailed descriptions. This includes floorplans, photography, and unit/building amenities. The site can also be a source of information for neighborhood insights such as walkability and average rents. Rental applications are secure and can be completed with online credit scoring. To speed things up, you can upload essential rental documents and use the ‘Instant Apply’ feature.

Walkscore

Searching on Walkscore allows you to look for rentals with a better commute that are nearby places that you rate. Alongside the basic search filters like price and size, you can look for a place that’s located nearby your office. Along with being within commutable distance of a grocery store or cool coffee shop. To round things off, each rental is rated for its walkability or its  ‘Walkscore’. You can also view first-hand accounts and tips from locals on everything from neighborhood safety to nightlife reviews.

Final tips on how to find the ideal apartment in LA

1. Unlike cities like New York, you don’t always need a broker or realtor to see apartments — shop around online
2. Always inquire as to which appliances are included (some L.A. landlords may not provide your kitchen appliances)
3. Be wary of rental scams (telltale signs to include below-market rent or asking for a viewing fee)
4. If you like a particular area, you may find some hidden gems (being homes listed with a good ol’ “For Rent” sign out front) in plain sight
5. Consider going with a furnished rental in Los Angeles if your budget allows for it — the added convenience is surely worth it
6. Don’t rely just on Waze or Google Maps estimates — do your commute at the exact hours you plan to drive or use transit to see how long it will realistically take to get to and from