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Can I List My Rental Property in the MLS? Yes:- Here’s What You Need to Know

Rupi Azrot
May 19, 2025
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If you're trying to rent out a property in California, whether it’s your only rental or part of a larger portfolio, you’ve probably wondered
Can landlords list their rental property on the MLS without a real estate agent?

The answer is yes, and it’s a move more smart landlords are making every day.
At ListLean, we now help owners and investors list their rentals on the California MLS without needing to hire a full-service agent or property manager.

Heres how it works, and why it can save you time, stress and a whole lot of money.

Why Use the MLS for Rentals

Most landlords start with Zillow or Craigslist when trying to fill a vacancy. And sure, those sites are popular, but they dont always attract the most qualified tenants.

The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is the top platform for exposure not just for sales, but also for rental properties. When your rental is listed on the MLS, it gets syndicated to:

  • Zillow
  • Realtor.com
  • Redfin
  • Trulia
  • Local brokerage sites

...and it's shown to real estate agents with clients actively searchng for rentals. This means more eyeballs, better tenants, and often faster move-ins.

Who Can List a Rental on the MLS

Traditionally, only licensed real estate agents could list properties on the MLS. But flat fee services like ListLean change that.

If you're a:

  • DIY landlord
  • Out-of-state investor
  • Owner with 1 or 100 units
  • Portfolio manager who wants more control

You can now get your rental on the MLS by paying a small flat fee instead of giving away part of your rent to a listing agent.

How to List a Rental on the MLS (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prep the Basics

You’ll need:

  • Unit details (beds, baths, square footage)
  • Rental price
  • Deposit and pet rules
  • Lease terms
  • Photos of the unit

Step 2: Choose a Flat Fee MLS Package

At ListLean, you pick a package based on how much support you want.
All of them include MLS listing, broker compliance, and syndication to top rental platforms. No monthly charges. Just a one-time payment.

Step 3: Review and Go Live

We send over a rental listing agreement (even for rentals, California requires one), and once you fill it out, we upload your property into the MLS.
Most listings go live within a day.

Then relax. Leads usually start fast.

Why Landlords Use MLS for Rentals Now

  1. Faster Tenant Placement
    Your unit gets way more views, which leads to better response.
  2. Better Screening
    Tenants coming through agents tend to have cleaner applications.
  3. You Stay in Control
    You set everything: the rent, rules, timing, terms.
  4. Skip Management Fees
    Stop paying someone else a full month's rent just to post online. You got this.

Out-of-State Landlords Can Use This Too

Many of our users manage California rentals from out of state.
You do not need to be local. You do not need to hire a full agent either.

All you need is basic info, access to email, and maybe someone to open the door once or twice.
We’ve seen folks in New Jersey and Georgia run the whole rental process for California homes right from their laptop.

How Long Will My Rental Stay on the MLS

With us, your listing can stay up for up to 6 months. You can update the rent, change the photos, or pull it down anytime.
Just shoot us a quick message and we handle it.

Real Example: Maria from Texas

Maria owns 4 duplexes in Riverside. She lives in Austin.
Used to pay a manager every time she had a vacancy. Now, she uses ListLean to list the rental herself.
Saved over $5,000 last year. Rents faster too. She doesnt want to go back.

FAQs

Do I need a license to list my rental?
No. You're the owner. We list it for you using our licensed broker.

Can I offer a commission to agents?
Yes. You can choose to offer a commission, like $500 or half a month’s rent, or nothing at all.

What if I get too many calls?
You can mark it pending or pause it. Some clients use a Google Voice number to help screen better.

Do you help screen tenants?
We don’t screen directly, but we can point you to tools or suggest pros to help if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to rent out a unit, condo, or house in California, don’t stop at Zillow.
The MLS can help you reach more serious renters, get better applications, and fill your unit faster.

Whether you're in California or across the country, ListLean makes it simple and affordable to list your rental the smart way.

Want better tenant leads for your rental?

👉 Explore pricing here or learn how ListLean helps rental owners

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Selling a home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can be an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on realtor commissions and retain control over the selling process. However, navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction without professional guidance can be challenging. To help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful sale, let's explore some of the top FSBO mistakes to avoid when selling your home.

1. Pricing it Wrong:

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2. Neglecting Legal Requirements:

Selling a home involves adhering to various legal requirements and disclosures. Failure to comply with state and local regulations can lead to legal issues and jeopardize the sale. Make sure you familiarize yourself with California's real estate laws, including disclosure requirements, contract terms, and any local ordinances that may affect the sale of your home.

3. Poor Marketing Strategy:

Effective marketing is essential for attracting potential buyers and generating interest in your property. Many FSBO sellers make the mistake of neglecting marketing efforts or relying solely on traditional methods such as yard signs and classified ads. Take advantage of online platforms, social media channels, and professional photography to showcase your home to a wider audience and maximize its exposure.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale by sellers they represent to brokers who represent potential buyers.

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What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?

A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service that allows homeowners like you to list their property on the local MLS for a flat fee rather than paying a traditional real estate agent's commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price.

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How does a Flat Fee MLS listing work?

You pay a one-time fee to have your property listed on the MLS database. This fee usually covers the cost of listing your property on the MLS for a specified period, often ranging from 6 months to a year. You retain the right to sell your home FSBO and handle the selling process yourself.

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Why can’t I edit my Zillow listing after my property goes live on the MLS?

Once your home is listed on the MLS, websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com automatically pull your listing data directly from the MLS.

Because of this MLS connection, Zillow removes homeowner editing access to avoid conflicting information online. This is a Zillow policy that applies to any home listed through the MLS — regardless of which agent or company lists it.
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You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

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Am I signing a listing agreement with ListLean?

No, you are not signing a traditional listing agreement with us. ListLean does not represent you as an agent. Instead, you are signing an MLS Entry Agreement, which is required to list your property on the MLS while staying compliant with board and MLS regulations. This agreement allows us to post your listing but does not establish an agent-client relationship. You still remain a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) seller, maintaining full control over your sale.

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Do I need to provide photos and descriptions for my listing?

Yes. Try to provide high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property for the MLS listing. Remember, you want to get the best price for your home, so clear, well-lit photos and an accurate (non-puffed) description will go a long way towards generating interest for your house. We offer professional photography for an extra $250 because we know first impressions are the only ones that matter online in the age of swiping left.

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Can I change the listing price or details after it's posted on the MLS?

Absolutely! Just email us anytime at team@listlean.com for any updates, changes, or open house requests.

For Open Houses, please send us:

  • Property Address (in the email subject line)
  • Open House Day(s)
  • Start & End Time

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice so we can update the MLS properly. Once updated, Zillow and other websites will reflect those changes automatically within 24-48 hours.

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How do showings and negotiations work with a Flat Fee MLS listing?

As the FSBO homeowner, you'll be responsible for scheduling and conducting showings with potential buyers. When you receive offers, you'll negotiate directly with the buyer or their agent. It's advisable to seek legal counsel or hire a real estate attorney to review any offers or contracts to ensure they're in your best interest.

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What happens if my property doesn't sell during the listing period?

If your property doesn't sell during the initial listing period, you may have the option to renew your Flat Fee MLS listing for an additional fee.

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Is ListLean a Licensed Broker?

Absolutely. ListLean LLC operates under Offercity Brokerage Inc, holding California CalBRE #02185966. As a licensed broker, we’re authorized to list your home on local MLS databases throughout California.

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