What's the deal with parking? Is it permitted?

Parking isn’t permitted, but that’s because it doesn't need to be. Gower is a residential street just far enough from businesses to make parking easy. Over the seven years we lived here, we could almost always find a spot on Gower between Cheremoya Ave and Dearborn Dr. We had two cars, and the downstairs unit typically did too.

Will we hear the upstairs neighbors in the lower unit?

As they say, they don’t make them like they used to. Gower Duplex was built in 1914 and is as solid as they come. Since it’s built into the hillside, about half of the upper unit isn’t even over the downstairs. While you might hear the occasional light footfall, you won’t hear much noise, if any, coming from above. We haven’t ever had a complaint in the time we’ve been renting the unit (since 2007).

What’s the neighborhood like? Is it quiet?

Gower is a wonderfully quiet street. On our first night here, we needed to turn a fan on just because we weren’t used to the quiet compared to our former place in West Hollywood. You may hear the occasional coyote howl, but otherwise, it’s pretty peaceful here.

Is there much wildlife in Beachwood Canyon?

There is indeed wildlife. Skunks, coyotes, and the occasional deer all pass through. They leave humans alone, but if you have a furry friend, don’t let them into the lower yard alone after twilight, especially if they are on the smaller side.

Can we garden in the backyard?

You are welcome to try! Just know that others before you have attempted it, but the lower yard is pretty well shaded, so you might not have much luck. Who knows, maybe they just didn’t have the green thumb that you do?

Is it ok to have patio furniture and a grill?

Yes! Please enjoy the outdoor patio space! Just make sure that access to the lower yard isn’t blocked, as the gardener needs to get down there.

Is this place rent controlled?

Yes. Gower Duplex is subject to the Los Angeles City Rent Control Ordinance.

What’s the lease like? What’s included?

The term is 12 months, and then it goes month to month. The tenant pays for electricity, trash, internet/cable; the owner pays for water, gas, gardening. The deposit is the first month’s rent plus a security deposit (equal to one month’s rent). The pet deposit is an additional $500.

I’m into this place, what are the next steps?

We will invite you to apply via Zillow. In addition to filling out the application, we require proof of rental payment over the last 12 months, bank statements showing sufficient funds, 3 months of paystubs, and proof of employment. We will also call your current landlord and employer to verify. If you don’t have one of these items for some reason, no worries. We can hop on a call to discuss if you’re really interested. We understand that not everyone has a regular 9-5 job, and not everyone is currently renting, so that won’t necessarily be an issue.

And you are…..?

We’re Elisa and Ethan, and we have owned Gower Duplex since 2007. We lived in the upper unit and have always rented the lower unit. We moved to the Bay Area in 2014 but return to LA often as this is where our families still live. When we moved, we began renting the top unit as well. We know the house and the surrounding area really well, so feel free to ask us anything about Beachwood Canyon.

We take great pride in our ownership of Gower Duplex and make sure that it is meticulously maintained. It is also our only property, and we manage it ourselves. When you rent from us, you won’t be dealing with a property manager that’s looking after a million different units. We have worked with the same handyman since we moved in and have other service people that we trust so that if there ever is an issue, we can take care of it as quickly as possible.

We loved living here and know that you will too.