How to Run Google Ads to Rent Out a House in Los Angeles

In a city as competitive as Los Angeles, renting out a house can take time without the right visibility. Traditional listing platforms and word-of-mouth only go so far. Google Ads offers property owners a powerful way to get in front of local renters who are actively searching.

By creating a targeted campaign, you can drive high-intent traffic directly to your rental listing, schedule viewings, and fill vacancies faster. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to run Google Ads specifically to rent out a house in Los Angeles—from setting up your account to optimizing your ad for the local market.

Why Use Google Ads to Rent a House in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a large and active rental market, with thousands of people searching for homes daily. Relying only on rental listing sites can limit your exposure. Google Ads gives you direct access to people actively searching for terms like “house for rent in Los Angeles,” allowing you to appear at the top of search results instantly.

Here’s why Google Ads is particularly effective for property rentals:

  • High-Intent Traffic: Google users searching rental-related terms are already in decision-making mode. This means your ad reaches people who are ready to move soon.
  • Location Targeting: You can limit your ad visibility to people within specific neighborhoods or zip codes in Los Angeles, ensuring the traffic you get is relevant and local.
  • Flexible Budgeting: Google Ads lets you start small, adjust bids, and only pay when someone clicks your ad. It’s cost-effective compared to print or general listing platforms.
  • Control Over Messaging: You can highlight the exact features of your property—price, number of bedrooms, photos, location benefits—in the ad copy and landing page.

Using Google Ads helps cut through the competition and put your listing in front of serious renters—faster and more efficiently.

Setting Up a Google Ads Account for Real Estate Advertising

Before you can advertise your rental property, you need to create a Google Ads account and configure it correctly. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Create a Google Ads Account
    Go to ads.google.com and sign in with a Google account. Click “Start Now” and select “Switch to Expert Mode” to access full campaign controls.
  2. Choose the Right Campaign Objective
    For renting a house, select an objective like “Leads” or “Website Traffic”—depending on whether you want renters to call you directly or visit a property listing page.
  3. Business Information & Billing
    Enter your business name (or personal name if you’re a private owner), location, and billing details. Google may prompt you to verify your identity, especially for housing-related ads, to comply with its Housing Ads Policy.
  4. Comply With Google’s Housing Policy
    Google restricts ad targeting for housing-related content to prevent discrimination. You won’t be able to target by gender, age, or ZIP code, but you can target by general location (e.g., Los Angeles) and intent-based keywords.
  5. Set Up Conversion Tracking (Optional but Recommended)
    Set up conversion tracking to know when users complete actions like clicking a call button or submitting a rental inquiry form. This helps you measure ad effectiveness.
See also  Why In-House Training Matters

Once your account is active and your billing method is approved, you’re ready to launch your first campaign focused on renting out your property.

Creating a Local Campaign to Target Renters in Los Angeles

With your Google Ads account set up, the next step is to create a campaign that targets renters in the Los Angeles area. Here’s how to structure it effectively:

  1. Choose a Campaign Type
    Select a Search Campaign to appear on Google search results when users type in queries like “houses for rent in Los Angeles” or “3 bedroom home for rent LA.” This ensures your ad reaches people with clear intent.
  2. Set Geographic Targeting
    Under “Locations,” choose Los Angeles or narrow it down to specific neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Koreatown, or Venice. Avoid ZIP code targeting (it’s restricted under Google’s housing policy).
  3. Select Relevant Keywords
    Use high-intent keywords that match what renters are likely to search. Examples:
    • “house for rent Los Angeles”
    • “rent 2 bedroom home LA”
    • “furnished rental in LA”
    • “pet friendly house for rent Los Angeles”

Use phrase match or exact match to keep targeting specific.

  1. Write Compelling Ad Copy
    Your ad should highlight key features and create urgency. Example:
    • “Modern 2BR Home for Rent in Echo Park – Pet Friendly, Parking Included – Schedule a Tour Today!”

Include your monthly rent, amenities (e.g., central AC, laundry), and availability if possible.

  1. Use Ad Extensions
    Add call extensions so renters can phone you directly, and location extensions to show proximity. Site link extensions can drive users to more property photos or virtual tours if available.
  2. Set a Daily Budget and Bidding Strategy
    Start with a modest daily budget (e.g., $10–$30/day). Use Maximize Conversions if you have conversion tracking set up, or Manual CPC if you want more control.
  3. Launch and Monitor
    After setting up the campaign, let it run for a few days and monitor the click-through rate (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and conversion activity. Adjust keywords and ads as needed.
See also  Unlock Your Google Ads Potential with One-on-One Consulting

A well-targeted campaign can start generating rental inquiries within days, especially in high-demand areas of Los Angeles.

Best Practices for Rental Property Ads on Google

Running a Google Ads campaign is only part of the process. To maximize results and avoid wasting your budget, follow these proven best practices when advertising your rental property:

  1. Use a Dedicated Landing Page
    Instead of linking to a generic site or homepage, direct renters to a specific page about the house. Include high-quality photos, rent price, square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, location map, and a clear call to action (e.g., contact form or call button).
  2. Highlight Unique Selling Points
    Mention what makes your property stand out. Is it pet-friendly? Does it have a private yard, garage, or in-unit laundry? These details increase click and conversion rates.
  3. Enable Call and Message Extensions
    Allow potential renters to call or text directly from the ad. This works especially well on mobile devices and shortens the contact funnel.
  4. Schedule Ads During Active Search Hours
    Use ad scheduling to show your ads during peak times when people are likely searching—typically weekdays during lunch breaks and early evenings.
  5. Monitor and Optimize Weekly
    Check performance weekly. Pause low-performing keywords, update ad copy if needed, and increase bids for keywords driving conversions. Use negative keywords like “cheap” or “Section 8” if they attract unqualified leads.
  6. Use Google’s Lead Form Extension (Optional)
    For owners without a website, Google’s lead form extension lets users submit their info directly through the ad—helpful for capturing interest quickly.
  7. Stay Within Compliance
    Ensure your ad follows Google’s housing policies, including non-discriminatory language and targeting. Violations can lead to disapproval or suspension.

By applying these best practices, you improve ad visibility, attract qualified renters, and reduce time on the market.

Conclusion

Google Ads offers a powerful, flexible way to market a rental property in Los Angeles. With targeted campaigns, you can reach renters who are actively searching for homes in your area—often within hours of launching your ad.

By setting up your account correctly, selecting the right keywords, and focusing on location-based targeting, your listing gains immediate visibility in a highly competitive market. Combine that with a strong landing page and well-written ad copy, and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of filling your rental quickly.

Just remember to follow Google’s housing ad policies, monitor performance, and refine your strategy over time. With the right setup, Google Ads can become one of the most effective tools in your rental marketing toolkit.

Leave a Comment