How Much Does Multifamily Property Management Cost in Southern California?

Thinking About Hiring a Property Manager in Southern California?

Owning rental property in areas like Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Orange County can be a significant investment, but managing it all yourself can quickly become overwhelming. From late-night maintenance requests to navigating complicated housing laws, many owners reach a point where they start looking into professional help.

That’s where property management companies come in. But how much do they cost—and is it worth it, especially for multifamily buildings?

This guide explains what to expect when hiring a full-service property manager in Southern California. Whether you’re wondering about apartment manager costs in Los Angeles or need insight into property management fees in Long Beach or Orange County, this post is for you.

Why Hire a Property Manager?

When most people think about property management, they picture someone collecting rent or handling basic maintenance. But in California—especially in places like Los Angeles—there’s much more to it.

A professional property manager can help you:

• Stay compliant with changing landlord-tenant laws like AB 1482.
  
• Screen and place tenants more effectively.
  
• Coordinate repairs with licensed and insured vendors.
  
• Handle resident disputes or notices professionally.
  
• Maintain your building’s value and reputation.
  

With strict rent control and legal compliance requirements across Southern California, having an expert on your side isn’t just helpful—it’s often essential.

What Are Typical Property Management Fees in Los Angeles?

Most property management companies in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas charge between 6% and 10% of the collected monthly rent. The exact percentage depends on a few factors, including the size of the building, the services included, and the location.

Let’s say you own a 24-unit apartment building in Long Beach, renting each unit for around $2,000. That’s a gross monthly rent roll of $48,000. If your property management fee is 7%, you’d pay about $3,360 monthly.

That fee usually includes much more than just rent collection. It covers services that improve the property’s performance and save time and stress.

What’s Included in Full-Service Property Management?

A full-service property manager in Long Beach or any part of Southern California will typically handle:

• Tenant leasing and renewals
  
• Routine and emergency maintenance coordination
  
• Rent collection and delinquency follow-up
  
• Financial reporting and budget tracking
  
• Property inspections and habitability compliance
  
• Legal notices and support with eviction processes
  

At BFPM Inc., we offer all of the above through a centralized team that understands the unique challenges of multifamily property management in Los Angeles and beyond.

Are There Extra Fees to Be Aware Of?

While the base management fee covers core services, there are some common additional costs to consider. These can include:

• Leasing fees for finding and placing new tenants (often 50% to 100% of one month’s rent)
  
• Lease renewal fees, which can range from $100 to $300 per lease
  
• Costs related to property inspections or coordinating large repairs
  
• Eviction coordination fees, which may include administrative and court filing support
  

Make sure to review the management agreement carefully so there are no surprises.

What Affects the Cost of Property Management?

Not all property management fees are created equal. Here are the biggest factors that influence pricing:

Property Size and Unit Count
Larger apartment buildings typically qualify for volume pricing, while smaller buildings may have higher per-unit costs because of fixed administrative overhead.

Location
Due to the local labor market and compliance environment, property management in Los Angeles, especially in areas like Santa Monica or Downtown LA, tends to cost more than similar services in suburban markets like Torrance or Anaheim.

Level of Service
If your manager is involved in capital improvements, tenant legal disputes, and full operational oversight, you’re paying for a higher level of professional support—one that typically results in fewer liabilities and more substantial long-term returns.

Why Owners Choose BFPM Inc.

At BFPM Inc., we specialize in full-service multifamily property management across Los Angeles and Orange County. Whether you own a 16-unit building in Long Beach or a larger community in the Valley, our team is equipped to handle everything from lease-ups to long-term capital planning.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Transparent and timely financial reporting
  
• Proactive maintenance scheduling
  
• Clear communication with both tenants and ownership
  
• Legal compliance support and risk mitigation
  
• Resident retention strategies designed to minimize turnover
  

With more than 1,000 units under management, our experience spans from boutique walk-ups to mid-sized apartment communities.

Is Hiring a Property Manager Worth It?

For many multifamily property owners in Southern California, the answer is yes. If your rent roll looks good on paper but your cash flow is tight, a professional manager may be able to identify inefficiencies, reduce vacancies, and protect you from legal pitfalls.

Here’s how hiring a full-service property manager can pay off:

• Faster lease-ups mean fewer lost rent days.
  
• Proper compliance avoids costly legal issues.
  
• Happy tenants renew more often, reducing turnover costs
  
• Preventive maintenance minimizes surprise repairs.
  
• Automation and systems reduce manual errors.
  

In many cases, the value a manager brings exceeds the cost of their service.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re managing 16 or more units in Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Orange County and are ready to explore what a full-service property management company can offer, we’re here to help.

BFPM Inc. offers tailored services for multifamily property owners who want to streamline operations and boost performance without losing sleep.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.