Flatlines. (Real Estate).

Rental inflation throughout Los Angeles County is expected to decrease slightly this year, as the southern part of the county and West Los Angeles experience rising vacancy rates, according to a new forecast by multi-family broker Hendricks & Partners.

The most pronounced flattening

"You can probably show a condition where rents will plateau--we're starting to see that now," said Dean Zander, an associate partner at Hendricks. Landlords with luxury units ($1,500-plus for a one-bedroom) will begin making concessions like free rent to attract or keep tenants, he said.

Offsetting the exodus of renters to starter homes will be rising interest rates, which will help take slack out of the mid-range apartment market, Zander predicted.

The strongest market will continue to be the north part of the county, which includes the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. North Los Angeles' vacancy rate will drop to 4.5 percent this year from 4.9 percent last year.

Staff reporter Danny King can be reached at (323) 549-5225 ext. 230, or at dking@labusinessjournal.com.