MLS for rentals? ETA: For California

Is there such a thing? When I go to the regular MLS site I only see listings for houses for sale. And when I google MLS rentals I get the site rentmls.com, but I don't know if it is legit. Anyone know?

Message edited 6/18/2012 6:48:49 PM.

Re: MLS for rentals?

They do have rentals listed on mlsli.com and they are legit
Here is the link

Re: MLS for rentals?

Yes, MLS includes rentals. If you go on the consumer MLS site, MLSLI - you will see on the left hand side there is a list of categories, including rentals. If you click on there, a search page will come up for you to put in your rental criteria (town, price, etc.).

Keep in mind that the only type of rental you will find on MLS is a legal rental, meaning a whole house rental, or an apartment that is in a 2 family house (in Nassau) or for which the landlord has a permit (in Suffolk). If the rental is legal, they are usually listed because it doesn't cost the landlord anything to list it (it's customary on Long Island for the tenant to pay the broker's fee).

Despite the fee, I think it benefits the tenant to look at rentals listed with a real estate agent because you know the landlord is legitimate and you don't have to hand over money and personal info (credit reports, etc.) directly to the landlord and hope they are above board. The agent can be a go-between and safeguard confidential information (while conveying the necessary things to the landlord). Agents can also help you negotiate terms of the rental agreement. And if you don't like the first property you see, an agent can show you multiple rentals, as we all have access to all MLS listings (and you don't have to do as much legwork in terms of phone calls, scheduling).

If you are looking for a small apartment (studio, 1 bedroom) in Nassau, you will probably see many more apartments on Craig's list than MLS because many of those are located within single family homes and therefore are not technically "legal" rentals (but common nonetheless!).

Re: MLS for rentals?

I found my rental through MLS!

Re: MLS for rentals?

Sorry, I should have mentioned in my first post, we're moving to the San Francisoco area, so I need the website for there.
We will be working with an agent (through my relocation offer) but we only get a day with them, so I want to look at some places on my own as well.