Can you trust the square footage in a Los Angeles listing?
Listing square footage comes from many places: the seller, an agent, an old appraisal or the County Assessor. They do not always agree, and you can check the numbers against public records.
Two records to compare
- County Assessor record. The Assessor lists the living area it has on file for the parcel, along with year built, bedrooms and bathrooms.
- City building permits. Permit descriptions sometimes state the size of an addition, such as "add 450 sq ft second floor addition". Permits issued from 2010 on are searchable by address.
What a difference can mean
- A permit for an addition that the Assessor figure does not reflect may mean the record has not caught up.
- A listing that is larger than both records may mean space was added without a permit, or that the figure was measured differently. A difference does not prove unpermitted work.
- Garages and attics converted to living space are a common source of disagreement. Ask for the permit and the final inspection.
What to do
Ask the seller or host for permits covering any addition, conversion or major remodel, and confirm the work was finaled. For a purchase, a licensed professional can measure the home.
The faster way
Deedlore's full report lists permits with added square footage where the permit text states it, together with the County Assessor record. Permits before 2010 are not searched, and a missing permit does not show that work was done without one.
Know before you book!
Related guides
- How to Check an Airbnb Registration Number in Los Angeles
- What a Code Enforcement Case Means on a Los Angeles Property
- How to check an Airbnb address for safety
- Red flags when booking an Airbnb in Los Angeles
- Is an address in a hazard zone?
- How to check an Airbnb before you book, step by step
- How to check if a Los Angeles Airbnb is legal
- Airbnb scams: what public records can and cannot catch
- How to check the area around an Airbnb
Common questions
Does Deedlore check the host?
No. Deedlore describes properties, not people. It does not show host names or run background checks.
Does a registered rental mean a safe stay?
No. A registration shows what the City has on file as of the date checked. It is not a finding that a stay will be safe or good.
Which addresses are covered?
Addresses in the City of Los Angeles only. Other cities, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, have their own rules.