All blogs

Can Landlords List Rental Properties on the MLS? (Yes, Here's How)

Rupi Azrot
August 25, 2025
Share this blog

If you’re a landlord trying to fill a vacancy, you’ve probably used Zillow, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
But what about the MLS?

You might be wondering—can landlords actually list a rental property on the MLS without hiring a Realtor or property manager?

The answer is yes, and it’s one of the smartest ways to attract quality tenants faster (and without overpaying for help).

At ListLean, we help landlords all over California list their rentals on the MLS using a simple flat fee, no long-term contracts, and no middleman.
Here’s how it works and why more property owners are doing it themselves.

What Is the MLS

The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is the platform real estate agents use to list properties for sale and for rent.
It’s private, which means you can’t just post to it yourself unless you’re a licensed broker—or you’re using a flat fee service like ListLean that does it for you.

Once your rental is on the MLS, it gets pushed to:

  • Zillow
  • Redfin
  • Realtor.com
  • Trulia
  • Dozens of other rental sites and brokerage portals

More exposure means better leads.
And unlike random listing sites, MLS data is trusted and widely used by serious renters and agents.

Do You Have to Be a Real Estate Agent to Use the MLS

Nope. You don’t need to be licensed or work with a full service agent to list your rental on the MLS.

Through ListLean, you can:

  • List your rental on the MLS using our broker license
  • Stay in control of pricing, terms, and communication
  • Save thousands compared to hiring a property manager or Realtor

You’re the landlord. We just give you the tools to do it professionally.

Why List Your Rental on the MLS

Most renters search Zillow or Redfin first
What they don’t realize is, those platforms pull data from the MLS. So if you’re not on the MLS, you’re not showing up at the top.

By listing on the MLS, you:

  • Reach more qualified renters
  • Get more showings, faster
  • Attract agents representing strong applicants
  • Make your property look more legitimate and safe

It’s the secret weapon pro landlords have been using for years.

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

Step 1: Gather the Basics

You’ll need:

  • Rental price
  • Deposit amount
  • Lease term (month-to-month, 12 months, etc)
  • Pet policy
  • Utilities included (if any)
  • Property photos
  • Short description of the unit

Try to include clean, well lit photos of all major rooms. People wanna see what they’re renting before reaching out.

Step 2: Pick a Flat Fee MLS Service

Go with a platform like ListLean that’s:

  • Licensed in California
  • Transparent about pricing
  • Built for rental listings, not just sales

You choose a package, upload your details, and our broker handles the MLS input. You don’t need to worry about paperwork formatting or rules—we take care of all that.

Step 3: Go Live and Start Taking Leads

Once your listing is live, it will show up on:

  • Zillow
  • Realtor.com
  • Redfin
  • Dozens of other platforms

Tenants can contact you directly (or their agent will). You get to screen them, ask questions, and move forward with whoever fits best.

Step 4: Screen, Lease, and Done

You can use online tools like:

  • RentSpree
  • Avail
  • SmartMove

These let you screen tenants with background checks, income verification, and credit scores.
You can then send your lease using e-signature tools like DocuSign or HelloSign.

Done. You got a tenant without paying 8 percent to a property manager or giving up the first month’s rent.

What If You're Not in California

Many of our clients live out of state or even out of the country.
You don’t have to be here physically to list your property on the MLS.

  • Use a smart lock or lockbox for showings
  • Coordinate with a local cleaner or handyman
  • Sign everything remotely
  • Hire a showing agent (optional)

We’ve had landlords in Texas, Florida, and even Canada rent out California properties completely remote.
It’s doable—you just need the right platform.

Real Owner Example: Sabrina from Colorado

Sabrina owns a duplex in Riverside. She lives in Denver.
She used to pay a property manager to fill vacancies, but it felt slow and expensive.

She found ListLean, listed both units on the MLS for under $200 each, got 7 solid inquiries in 3 days, and signed tenants in a week.
Saved $2,600 and never had to fly in.

“It felt almost too easy,” she said. We hear that a lot.

FAQs

Can I list my rental if I’m not a licensed agent
Yes, you’re the owner. We handle MLS compliance under our broker license.

Do I have to offer renter’s agent commission
No, but many landlords offer a flat fee or half a month’s rent. You decide.

Can I edit or cancel my listing later
Yes. Just email us and we’ll update it quickly. You stay in full control.

Can I list a property that’s still occupied
Yes, but give proper notice to your tenant for showings. California law requires it.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a Realtor to use the MLS. You don’t need to pay thousands to a manager.
You just need access—and that’s what ListLean gives you.

Landlords deserve smart, simple tools.
We help you list your rental, screen tenants, and fill vacancies without the fluff.

Ready to get your rental listed and leased

👉 See flat fee pricing or learn how it works

‍

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:

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

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.

Image caption goes here
Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla. Aliquam vestibulum, nulla odio nisl vitae. In aliquet pellentesque aenean hac vestibulum turpis mi bibendum diam. Tempor integer aliquam in vitae malesuada fringilla.

More blogs

Full name
11 Jan 2022

Mastering the FSBO closing process

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci adipiscing interdum...
Read blog
Full name
11 Jan 2022

Mastering the FSBO closing process

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Orci adipiscing interdum...
Read blog
Rupi Azrot
September 2, 2025

Cheap Fixes That Help Sell Your Home Faster (Without Breaking the Bank)

Boost appeal with simple, low-cost upgrades. Get practical tips on paint, lighting, staging and how they help you sell faster and for more.
Read blog
Rupi Azrot
August 17, 2025

Should You Fix It or Sell As-Is? A FSBO Seller’s Guide

Thinking about selling your California home by owner? Here's how to decide whether to make repairs or sell as-is and how it impacts your FSBO success.
Read blog
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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.
‍

You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍