Expense Load

Expense load is a general term for total operating expenses, often expressed per unit. LA multifamily typical expense load: $7,000–$12,000 per unit per year depending on submarket and building profile.

What it means in practice

Expense load varies with building size (economies of scale), age (older buildings cost more to operate), and submarket (higher-cost areas have higher insurance, property tax, etc.). Modern urban LA multifamily typically runs $8,000–$11,000 per unit per year fully loaded with reserves.

Why it matters for LA multifamily

LA multifamily expense loads have increased 2021–2026 on insurance particularly (wildfire risk reclassification raised rates substantially) and property tax (acquisition-triggered Prop 19 reassessments). 2026 underwriting reflects these higher loads.

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