Overview and Location
Element is a student-housing property located in Los Angeles, CA 90007, near the University of Southern California (USC) campus. It offers one-bedroom (1b) units with monthly prices ranging from USD 725 to USD 6,750 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property sits at a central address in a neighborhood frequented by USC students, and it also lies within commuting distance of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) — though daily travel between the two campuses takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
The building provides several on-site amenities: a gym, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. These are listed without additional cost details, so you should verify any usage fees or restrictions directly with the operator. The property has a Google rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 89 reviews. As of the data date (July 2026), the unit types available are limited to one-bedroom configurations — no shared multi-bedroom apartments or studios are mentioned.
Los Angeles has a city-wide starting price for student housing of USD 725 per month (indicative). Element’s lowest price point of USD 725 matches that floor, meaning its entry-level units could be among the most budget-friendly options in the city. However, the wide spread up to USD 6,750 suggests that premium units (likely larger or higher-floor) exist within the same property.
Who This Residence Suits
Element is best suited for students or young professionals who want a private, single-occupancy unit near USC. Because the property only offers one-bedroom apartments, it appeals to those who prioritize personal space and do not wish to share a bedroom or common areas with roommates. The presence of a gym and pool also attracts residents who value on-site fitness and recreation without leaving the complex.
The location directly addresses the needs of USC students. Many classes, libraries, and campus events are within walking distance or a short bike ride. For UCLA students, the commute is longer, but if you have a car or are willing to use public transit, Element could still work — especially if you value the quieter residential feel of the USC area compared to Westwood.
The price range starting at USD 725 makes it potentially accessible for students on a tighter budget — provided you secure one of the lower-cost units. Since that price matches the city’s cheapest student-housing offering, it may be one of the few places where a private bedroom in Los Angeles is available under USD 800 per month.
Who This Residence May Not Suit
Element is not a good fit for students seeking shared living arrangements to split costs. The absence of multi-bedroom units means you cannot sign a lease with roommates in the same apartment unless the property allows separate leases for individual rooms (the data does not indicate this). If you prefer a larger social environment or want to lower your rent by sharing a 2- or 3-bedroom unit, you will need to look at other properties.
The reviews raise significant safety concerns. One resident reported that a vehicle parked on the street in front of Element was broken into and later stolen (see the full quote in the next section). While the reviewer noted that covered parking is available as an option, the cost of that parking is not disclosed in the data. If you own a car and cannot afford covered parking, on-street parking appears to carry a real risk. The property may suit you only if you are willing to pay extra for a secured parking spot or do not have a vehicle.
Additionally, a separate review complained about the apartment’s condition upon move-in: a bad smell and a messy roommate. This suggests that unit cleanliness and maintenance can be inconsistent. If you are extremely sensitive to odors, mold, or pests, you should inspect the exact unit before signing — or ask for a recent video tour.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews are available. Here they are quoted verbatim (unedited except for truncation at the source’s cut-off point):
Kim Shemwell (rating: 2 out of 5):
“Our son’s car was broken into last fall (window shattered) and his car was just stolen this morning. Both off the curb in front of Element. Just an average student car and always parked close to entrance of complex. This is a very scary learning experience about why to invest in their covered parking. We now know why t”
Nina Haq (rating: 1 out of 5):
“If you guys have ever thought about living at element !!! Literally NEVER EVER EVER EVER DO IT. I have had the worst experience here. It was my first living at USC AND GOT COMPLETELY SCAMMED BY THIS PLACE. It was a mess since I moved in. The place smelled disgusting and the other roommate was a complete mess. Then I go”
Ethan Zhang (rating: 5 out of 5):
“Emna, the leasing agent was one of the nicest we have ever encountered on a visit touring any properties near USC. Would highly recommend the apartments there because I guarantee the staff alone will make you feel right at home.”
These reviews paint a mixed picture. The positive review credits the leasing agent’s hospitality and suggests staff can make a strong first impression. The negative reviews, however, highlight serious car security issues and poor move-in conditions. Because only three reviews appear for this property on Google, you cannot rely on a large statistical sample; you should actively seek additional feedback from current or past residents through independent channels (e.g., campus forums, social media groups).
Note that the two negative reviews were both written by individuals who experienced problems early in their tenancy. The positive review came from a prospective tenant (on a tour) rather than a long-term resident. This imbalance means that the day-to-day living experience may be less positive than the tour experience suggests.
Pricing and Room Types
Element offers only one-bedroom (1b) units. The price spans from USD 725 to USD 6,750 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). That is an unusually wide range for a single floor plan. Possible explanations:
- Some units may be furnished vs. unfurnished.
- Higher floors, better views, or renovated interiors could command higher rent.
- The property might include short-term lease premiums (month-to-month or semester leases) that increase cost.
- A few units could be larger or have additional features (e.g., in-unit washer/dryer) despite being listed as 1b.
Because the city’s starting price is also USD 725, Element’s cheapest unit is at the market floor. The most expensive unit (USD 6,750) is nearly ten times higher, so be prepared for significant price variation within the same building. Always ask for the exact rate for the specific unit, term length, and move-in date.
Other financial details: no deposit amount is provided. You should confirm whether a security deposit (typically one month’s rent) or any application fees apply.
Booking Timing and Availability
As of July 2026, the property shows availability from 19 August 2026 — the start of the fall semester for many Los Angeles universities. This aligns with the typical academic calendar. If you are looking for a lease starting earlier (e.g., June or July), this property may not be available until late August.
Because only one-bedroom units are offered, availability may be more limited than at larger complexes with multiple room types. The property has a moderate number of total units? The data does not specify unit count, but given 89 Google reviews, it is likely a small to mid-sized complex.
Students planning to move in for the fall 2026 semester should begin inquiring no later than June or July 2026 to secure a spot, especially if you want the lower-priced units (under USD 1,000). Peak season (July–September) tends to see the highest demand near USC. If you wait until August, many budget-friendly options may already be taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are utilities included in the rent?
The property data does not specify which utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet, trash) are included. Given the wide price range, utilities may be separate or bundled differently per unit. You should ask the operator directly for a full breakdown of monthly costs beyond rent, including any fees for parking, amenities, or maintenance.
Is parking safe and how much does it cost?
According to one review, on-street parking in front of Element carries a risk of break-ins and theft. The same reviewer advises investing in “covered parking” offered by the complex. The price of covered parking is not disclosed in the data. Contact the operator to confirm availability, monthly fee, and whether the covered lot is gated or monitored.
What is the minimum lease term?
The data does not list a minimum lease length. It does show an available-from date of 19 August 2026, which suggests leases align with the academic year. However, some properties offer 12-month, 9-month, or even semester-based leases. Verify the lease term options when you inquire — if you need a shorter stay, ask about early termination policies or subletting rules.
Sources & Data Date
All pricing, availability, and amenity data is sourced from the operator’s listing as of July 2026. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Google reviews were accessed on the same date and are quoted verbatim.
For live availability and current rates, you can use the on-site assistant to check if Element has units open for your preferred move-in date.
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