Turn this year’s challenges into next year’s advantages.

As we reach November and the year begins to wrap up, many Los Angeles landlords are looking back at 2025 with the same question: What did this year teach us, and how can we improve for 2026?

From tenant expectations shifting, to new city requirements, to a rise in digital tools and smarter management systems, 2025 gave LA property owners a lot to learn. And the good news: every lesson from this year can become a direct advantage in 2026 especially with the right team and the right structure behind you.

At Strategic Growth Real Estate, we manage hundreds of tenants across Los Angeles, which gives us a clear view of what truly matters today. Here’s what 2025 revealed.

The Biggest Lesson: Communication Sets the Tone

2025 made one thing obvious: Fast, clear communication is now the Number 1 factor in tenant satisfaction.

Tenants responded quicker, resolved issues faster, and left better reviews when communication was simple and timely. When messages were slow or unclear, frustration grew even in great buildings.

This year showed landlords that:

• Tenants prefer updates instead of silence

• Digital communication

• Transparency prevents disputes

• Clear expectations reduce stress for everyone

Using tools like AppFolio, owners were able to check payments, maintenance, and updates in real time and tenants appreciated the immediate visibility.

Maintenance: 2025 Proved That “Prevention” Beats “Reaction”

This year showed a huge shift: emergency repairs cost landlords more and made tenants more unhappy.

But owners who scheduled:

• seasonal tune-ups,

• annual plumbing checks,

• HVAC inspections, and

• safety reviews

2025 taught us that preventive maintenance is no longer optional. It’s a financial strategy.

At Strategic Growth, we saw that properties with scheduled inspections had fewer complaints, fewer surprises, and lower overall costs.

2025 Showed Us: The Strongest Properties Have the Strongest Screening

If 2025 had a headline for applications, it would be:"Don’t skip the details."

We saw many applicants submitting documents that needed extra verification everything from unclear pay stubs to financial information that didn’t match.

Properties with quick, basic screening had issues later.Properties with thorough screening avoided future problems.

That’s why in 2026, owners should rely on:

• full verification of income

• employer checks

• careful review of IDs and history

• talking to previous landlords

• consistent standards for every applicant

Strong screening protects owners, tenants, and the stability of the entire property.

Compliance Became More Important

LA city requirements were a big teacher in 2025.Owners had to stay on top of:

• RSO rules

• SCEP inspections

• habitability standards

• rent registry updates

• safety compliance (smoke alarms, CO detectors, etc.)

Landlords who waited last minute to comply had fines, delays, and unnecessary stress.

This year reminded owners that compliance has deadlines, and LA doesn’t forgive late submissions.

With 2026 coming, getting ahead of requirements is key.

Tenant Expectations Evolved

In 2025, renters wanted more than just a place to live. They valued:

• better lighting

• simple upgrades

• clean, maintained common areas

• digital rent payments

• fast maintenance

• honesty about fees

• good communication

Properties that offered a “smooth experience” rented faster and kept tenants longer.

Small upgrades made a big difference even things like new fixtures, better paint, new blinds, or small kitchen/bath improvements.

What 2025 Taught Us About Renters: They Want Stability

In a year full of movement across the market, tenants in Los Angeles wanted a stable, predictable, and respectful rental experience.

This meant:

• no surprise fees

• clear expectations

• professional handling of repairs

• simple communication

• transparent move-in/move-out processes

Landlords who offered stability had fewer turnovers and stronger relationships.

How Strategic Growth Helps Owners Win in 2026

2025 was a year of learning.2026 will be a year of using those lessons.

Here’s how we’ve prepared to help our owners next year:

• Faster communication: Our team responds quickly, updates tenants, and uses AppFolio to keep everything transparent.

• Preventive maintenance plans: We reduce emergencies and protect your property long-term.

• Stronger screening: We verify every document to stop fraud before it reaches your property.

• Compliance tracking: We manage deadlines, inspections, and city requirements so owners don’t have to worry.

• Better tenant experience: Happy tenants mean fewer vacancies, less turnover, and stronger income.

2025 showed us what works. 2026 is the year to apply it the right way.

Final Thoughts

As November closes in, this is the perfect time for a year-end review.What worked? What needs improvement? What goals can make 2026 easier, smoother, and more profitable?

This year gave LA landlords the roadmap and now it’s time to use it.

If you want 2026 to be your smoothest, most organized year yet, our team is ready to help.

Sources

• LA Housing Department (LAHD) Rental Regulations & RSO/SCEP Guidelines

• AppFolio 2025 Industry Trends Report

• California Tenant & Applicant Screening Data

• Strategic Growth Real Estate Internal Tenant & Maintenance Trends (2025)

• LA Building & Safety Annual Requirements (2025)