What It Means for Landlords and Why Now May Be the Time to Reposition
by: Eva Liu
Los Angeles County is once again reshaping the landlord–tenant landscape. This month, the Board of Supervisors approved a $30 million rent relief program, offering tenants up to six months of support capped at $15,000 per household. In addition, County Counsel has been exploring the possibility of a new eviction moratorium or expanded renter protections.
On the surface, this appears to be a lifeline for struggling renters. But for landlords — particularly small and mid-sized owners — these developments are another reminder that the balance of power continues to tilt away from property owners.
The Policy Direction is Clear
Over the past five years, LA County has rolled out multiple waves of rent relief, emergency housing assistance, and eviction moratoria. While some of these measures were tied to the pandemic, the current program links relief to wildfire impacts and immigration enforcement, signaling that new justifications for renter protections are emerging.
For landlords, the trend is unmistakable:
● Uncertain cash flow. Relief funds don’t always arrive on time, leaving landlords exposed to gaps.
● Limited control. Moratoriums and renter protections make it harder to enforce leases or address nonpayment.
● Policy whiplash. Rules can shift overnight, making long-term planning increasingly difficult.
What This Means for Today's Market
Despite these challenges, buyer demand remains strong. Institutional investors, family offices, and well-capitalized buyers are still seeking opportunities in Southern California, especially in areas where value-add strategies can unlock upside. This demand has created a favorable exit window for landlords who may be considering selling.
However, the longer owners wait, the greater the chance that new restrictions, prolonged moratoriums, or further relief measures could erode property value and limit flexibility.
How Rosano Capital Partners Can Help
At Rosano Capital Partners, we specialize in guiding property owners through moments of uncertainty. Our team works with landlords to:
● Evaluate exit strategies that maximize value while minimizing tax exposure.
● Identify value-add opportunities in stronger or more predictable markets.
● Connect sellers with serious buyers who understand the dynamics of today’s regulatory environment.
● Provide clarity in uncertain times, drawing on both market data and decades of transaction experience.
We understand that for many landlords, selling is not just a financial decision but a deeply personal one. Our role is to help you weigh your options, protect your equity, and reposition your portfolio for long-term growth.
The Bottom Line
LA County’s $30 million rent relief program and the exploration of a new eviction moratorium are not isolated actions — they are part of a larger policy shift that places increasing risk on landlords. For many property owners, this is the signal to reassess whether holding onto assets in LA County is worth the ongoing uncertainty.
If you’re a landlord in LA, now is the time to start that conversation. Whether you choose to sell, exchange, or explore other strategies, Rosano Capital Partners can help you make the most informed decision.
Contact us today to discuss your options and take control of your investment future.
The Narrative Advantage:
Using Storytelling to Win Commercial Real Estate Loans
Want a commercial loan in 2025? You need more than a good lender.
In today's market, lenders are flooded with applications but only funding the prospects. If you're not telling a clear, strategic story, then you're not getting funded. This article breaks down what it
takes to qualify for a commercial real estate loan in 2025, why your borrower story is everything,
and how to craft one that lenders will actually believe in.
We'll cover:
● The essential components every borrower must have
● How to craft a compelling borrower story
● Special considerations for first-time investors
● How Rosano Capital Partners helps borrowers secure competitive terms
The Fundamentals: Liquidity and Experience
Lenders today are usually risk-averse and focused on getting the best assets. The baseline for qualifying:
● Liquidity: Can you cover contingencies, carry, and unexpected costs?
● Experience: Have you done this before?
But even with a strong resume, if you don't frame your story correctly, you may get passed over. We've worked with borrowers who looked average on paper (until we helped them articulate the right narrative). That made all the difference.
The Power of the Story
Lending institutions are run by people. They remember deal stories, not spreadsheets. A compelling story cuts through the noise and builds confidence. When you walk into a lender meeting, your story should answer these three questions:
1. Why Are You Doing This Project?
Are you acting on impulse, or is this a programmatic move? The "why" behind your acquisition matters. Lenders want to know:
● Is this market familiar to you?
● Does this asset type align with your expertise?
● Are you solving a specific operational or market problem?
A clear motivation signals that you've thought it through, and that you're not a risk.
2. Why Does the Deal Make Sense?
You should be able to walk a lender through:
● In-place and projected NOI Market comps that justify your pro forma
● Operational inefficiencies you’ll address
● Your plan to add value or reduce cost
If you can't explain this clearly, lenders will assume the numbers don’t work, and find a different deal.
3. Why Are You the Right Person to Execute It?
This is your credibility piece. You don’t need to be a veteran developer, but you do need a track record that supports your claims.
Maybe:
● You’ve worked on similar properties in the same submarket
● Your GC has managed dozens of comparable projects
● Your property management firm specializes in assets like this
Different lenders prioritize different elements. Your job is to present a coherent story — then align it with a lender that values your strengths.
First-Time Borrowers Face Higher Barriers
If you're new to commercial real estate, prepare for headwinds. The barriers to entry are steep:
● Lenders will require third-party management or operational partners
● You'll need to present a crystal-clear business plan
● Most will want to see personal liquidity and/or co-signers
This is where your story carries even more weight. Without the track record, you need to sell your vision and your team. Done right, you can still get funded, but it takes more preparation.
We recently represented a first-time developer who had spent years working for the city as a civil engineer. Despite managing complex public projects, consistently delivered on time and under budget, most lenders were hesitant to fund his private development due to his lack of experience as a sponsor.
We crafted a narrative highlighting his extensive public-sector track record and deep technical knowledge. We framed his experience as a strength: he had executed projects with regulatory oversight, tight budgets, and immovable time-lines.
He also faced a liquidity shortfall. To solve that, we introduced him to an equity partner who brought in the capital needed to strengthen his financial position. With a strong story and solid backing, we went to market and ultimately secured three competitive financing offers, proving that the right positioning and partnerships can unlock real opportunity.
At Rosano Capital Partners, we guide borrowers through the entire process. Our approach:
1. Discovery: We learn the borrower’s needs and goals
2. Underwriting: We analyze the deal in-house, like a lender would
3. Story Development: We refine the borrower’s narrative for maximum impact
4. Packaging: We build a full financing memorandum story, financials, tax returns, and supporting docs
5. Shopping & Negotiation: We bring the deal to 8–10 lenders, then negotiate every offer line by line
In 2025, commercial lenders are still active, but more selective than ever. If you want to qualify for a loan, you need more than a viable deal. You need a narrative lenders can trust.
Your numbers matter. But your story matters more.
Craft both with clarity, and the right lender will be ready to listen.