Mandarin-Speaking Leasing Agent in Irvine, CA

Who I am

I'm David Dai, a California real estate agent based in Irvine (DRE# 02202763), affiliated with Universal Elite Realty (DRE# 02121645). I've spent more than ten years in real estate and lending. Most of the owners I work with are Chinese-speaking landlords who want every step — and every clause in the lease — explained clearly before they sign.

What I do for landlords

• Pricing — how long similar units in the same village have been listed, where recent leases closed, then adjust for condition, parking and timing.
• Marketing — MLS, Zillow and Realtor.com, with WeChat groups as an extra channel. The listing is open to every qualified applicant.
• Screening — every applicant is reviewed against the same written criteria: income, credit, rental history, and whether those documents agree with each other.
• Lease — a California standard lease, with deposit, repairs, early termination and HOA rules walked through before signing.
• Move-in — documented move-in inspection with photos, then rent starts.

The landlord pays the commission; tenants are not charged separately. The fee and scope are agreed in writing before you commit. For full management (rent collection, maintenance, renewals), I refer owners to the broker-licensed team at Universal Elite Realty and stay on as the Mandarin-speaking contact.

Irvine-specific things I check first

Price by village, not by city: an older University Park or Woodbridge condo and a newer Great Park home can both be listed as "2 bed / 2 bath" and still rent very differently. School zone matters at the elementary and middle-school level, not just "Irvine". And many Irvine homes are in HOAs that cap the number of rentals or require a minimum lease term — I confirm those rules before listing. Current rent ranges are on the Irvine average rent page.

California rules I walk landlords through

Security deposits are generally capped at one month's rent under AB 12 (Civil Code §1950.5), with a two-month exception for qualifying small landlords; itemized deductions are due within 21 days of move-out. Entry generally needs 24 hours' written notice (§1954). Screening criteria must be given to applicants in writing with the application (§1950.6). AB 1482 rent caps and just-cause rules may apply depending on the property. The full Chinese guide is on the landlord page; for case-specific legal questions, please consult an attorney.

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