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Rent Roll Guide

How to Read a Rent Roll Before Selling

How buyers review rents, vacancies, concessions, loss to lease, and unit details before valuing an LA apartment building.

By Don Favia · 6 min read · Updated July 3, 2026

Direct Answer

A rent roll tells buyers what income they are actually underwriting. Before selling, owners should review current rent, unit mix, lease status, vacancies, deposits, concessions, move-in dates, and any gap between current rent and realistic market rent.

Start With the Basics

The rent roll should show each unit, unit type, current rent, occupancy status, lease terms, deposits, move-in dates, and any non-recurring income or concessions that may affect underwriting.

What Buyers Compare

Buyers compare current income against expenses, rent-control limits, vacancy assumptions, unit condition, and realistic upside. The cleaner the rent roll, the easier it is to defend value.