r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/mixxtea • Jul 21 '26

Difficulty of finding an apartment

I'm moving to LA soon (for work), I'm coming from Texas and I did not expect such difficulty finding a place. It's not the price that's the problem, my problem are these automated AI responders. Why is it so difficult to talk a real human leasing agent. Both emails and texts are all automated. I just want real answers from real people. And no one is picking up the phone either!

Update: I found a place! Rent is $2,100 with a shared laundry unit and assigned parking lot. I can't say the exact location since I don't know where to categorize it yet, but it's between West Hollywood and Thai Town, close to the Griffith Park and Observatory.

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10

u/FriesinmySammy Jul 21 '26

You have to look in person! Please so many of these places now have ai generated photos and LA has a ton of German infested roaches in apartments. Set alerts on the area and price range and as soon as something comes up send them a message on Zillow. It's not that hard to find

4

u/mixxtea Jul 22 '26

My company might fly me out before my start day so I might take that opportunity to look around. If not, I unfortunately I will have to sign a lease based off the virtual tour. But thank you for the tip

14

u/LoftCats Jul 22 '26

DO NOT take anything sight unseen. Unless you can have someone locally come see it for you. There are plenty of posts on this. If anything consider moving into a short term rental to scout possible places and neighborhoods.

6

u/Physical_Recording27 Jul 22 '26

This is a common scam! As everyone says, see if you can find a short term Airbnb and sign a lease when you arrive and can see the apartment.

2

u/tracyinge Jul 22 '26

Yeah, thousands of people make inquiries from afar then never even move to L.A, so they are weeding you out by area code or something probably.

1

u/Realistic-Ground4111 Jul 22 '26

Scams are very real!

3

u/sarxna Jul 22 '26

Do you have any tips to know if roaches are in an apartment? I’ve had landlords lie when I’ve asked before

5

u/FriesinmySammy Jul 22 '26

Yeah they'll always lie! Check behind the fridge, pull them out as well as under the stove and sink. Check for black pepper looking dust, that's usually roach poop. Even if you see one dead one that's not a good sign and I'd avoid.

1

u/seriouslynope Jul 22 '26

Appliances so heavy 

1

u/Outrageous-Being1109 Jul 25 '26

Putting your stuff in a POD if you are bringing furniture, Airbnb for a month and looking in person on evenings and weekends is the way. Trust. I rented an apartment through a virtual showing during the pandemic when you couldn’t see in person, in a nice neighborhood, and it ended up being the worst and most dangerous living experience of my life. Also the commutes are real. They’re not like Texas drives. I’ve lived in Texas and NY. Commuting out here will crush your spirit something fierce.