How to List and Rent Out a California Property Without Being There

Rupi Azrot

June 17, 2025

If you live outside of California and own rental property here, one of the biggest challenges is finding good tenants without flying in or hiring an expensive property manager.

But here’s the thing—you can rent out your California property remotely, and it’s not nearly as complicated as most people think.

At ListLean, we help out-of-state owners list their rental on the California MLS, attract better tenants, and stay in control of the process—all without ever being here in person.

Here’s how it works.

Yes, You Can Rent Out Property in California Remotely

There is no rule that says you have to be in the same state to lease your property.
With a few smart tools and the right platform, you can:

List your property on the MLS
Find qualified tenants
Review applications
Sign leases digitally
Even hand off keys safely

Remote landlords are doing it every day. Many don’t even have a California license or boots on the ground.

Step by Step: Renting Out a Property From Out of State

Step 1: Prepare Your Rental Listing

Even if you’re not local, you can:

Hire a professional photographer online
Ask a friend, cleaner, or contractor to visit and prep the property
Use smart locks or combo lockboxes for access

The cleaner and more updated your place looks, the faster it rents.

Step 2: List the Property on the MLS

Most landlords start with Zillow or Craigslist, but that only gives you partial exposure.
The MLS is still the most powerful way to advertise your rental in California. It feeds your listing to:

Zillow
Redfin
Realtor.com
Dozens of rental search portals

With ListLean, you can list your rental on the MLS for a simple flat fee. We take care of the backend using our California broker license, so you don’t have to worry about legal stuff.

Step 3: Start Receiving Inquiries

Once your listing goes live, you’ll start getting messages from:

Interested renters
Agents representing tenants
People who saw your listing on third-party sites

You control the communication.
You can ask questions, send applications, and pick who you want to lease to.

Step 4: Screen Tenants Remotely

Use online tools like:

TransUnion’s SmartMove
Avail
RentPrep
These platforms let you run credit, eviction, and background checks all through email.

You don’t need to meet someone face to face to know if they’re a fit.

Step 5: Sign the Lease and Handoff Keys

Leases can be e-signed using:

DocuSign
HelloSign
PDF with e-sign enabled

As for key handoff, you can:

Use a smart lock
Install a lockbox
Ask a trusted local person (friend, cleaner, past tenant) to deliver them

You don't need to be there. You just need a system.

Why Remote Landlords Are Skipping Property Managers

Let’s be honest. A lot of property managers charge:

First month’s rent
Monthly service fees
Lease renewal fees
Sometimes random maintenance markups

That adds up fast, and you’re still the one paying the mortgage.

With ListLean, you just pay a small one time flat fee to get your listing live on the MLS.
You keep full control. You save thousands.

Example: Priya from New Jersey

Priya owns a condo in San Diego but moved to New Jersey years ago.
She used to pay a property manager to fill vacancies, but they were slow and overpriced.

Last year, she used ListLean, hired a local photographer from Yelp, listed her place on the MLS, screened applicants from her laptop, and rented it in 5 days.

No agent, no PM, no stress. Just smart systems.

FAQs for Remote Rental Listings

Do I need to be licensed in California to list my rental
No. You're the owner. We list it through our licensed broker, and you manage it from anywhere.

Can I offer commission to renter’s agents
Yes, you can offer something like 500 dollars or 1 month’s rent if you want agents to bring you a tenant. Or nothing. Totally up to you.

What if I need help showing the place
We can recommend local showing agents or services that charge per appointment. Or ask someone you trust nearby.

Can I cancel the listing if I change my mind
Yes. Just send us a message. We’ll pause or remove it right away.

What Makes Flat Fee MLS Ideal for Remote Landlords

No long term contracts
No monthly management fees
You keep full control over price, rules, and tenant screening
Your listing reaches real renters, not just window shoppers

Whether you have 1 unit or 10, this system works.

Final Thoughts

Renting out a property in California doesn’t require being in California.
You don’t need to overpay for a property manager or lose sleep over logistics.

With ListLean, you can list your rental on the MLS, attract better tenants, and manage everything from wherever you are—smoothly and affordably.

Want to rent your property without flying in or hiring a manager

👉 See our flat fee options or learn how it works

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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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