Rental application fraud has become a significant issue for property owners, with 93% identifying it as their top concern. From falsified income to fake references and identity theft, fraudulent applications create headaches for landlords and property managers alike.

Rents in the Conejo Valley continue to rise, with over 50% of available rentals listed for more than $5,000/month, and only 139 homes and condos available for lease—a 10% drop from last month. The solution to high rents lies in increased construction, not rent control, but with California’s high building costs, relief may be slow to come.

Proposition 33, appearing on the ballot again, aims to grant local governments in California the power to impose rent caps and other tenant protections, potentially ending the state's "limits on limits."

California renters are spending over 35% of their income on rent, similar to homeowners’ mortgage payments. With rental supply at historic lows and high demand, prices continue to rise, challenging the concept of ‘affordable’ housing.

In recent years, California has seen a significant increase in the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as guest houses or mother-in-law units. In 2023, ADUs made up one in every five new homes built, a notable rise from just one in ten only three years ago.

The Conejo Valley rental market remains tight with available rentals near all-time lows and demand pushing rents higher.

Maximizing ROI in Southern California's real estate market hinges on eight key strategies: adapt to local trends, thoroughly screen tenants, set strategic rent prices, maintain properties proactively, utilize technology, stay current on regulations, foster tenant relationships, and implement sustainability. These steps can significantly boost investment returns in the diverse SoCal property scene.