Challenges in San Diego’s Rental Landscape

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An overview of the rental properties in San Diego, reflecting the challenges faced by renters.

News Summary

San Diego residents are navigating a complex rental environment characterized by rising costs and changing regulations. Almost half of the county’s population are renters, making it imperative to understand the latest laws affecting housing. The implementation of rent control policies, fees for services previously included in rent, and protections for domestic violence survivors are reshaping the market. As renters face financial strain, increased transparency and adherence to legal obligations are crucial for maintaining affordable housing in the area.

San Diego residents face a challenging rental landscape, marked by rising costs and evolving regulations. Current data reveals that nearly half of San Diego County residents are renters, positioning the county as the fourth highest in the nation for the percentage of renters, following San Jose, Los Angeles, Orange County, and New York. Understanding the complexities of new laws and fees is essential for residents staring down an increasingly challenging rental market.

In 2020, California implemented a rent control policy limiting landlords from raising rents by more than 10% annually. Despite these regulations, landlords have found ways to increase costs indirectly. Extra fees such as charges for trash collection, which used to be included in the rental price, are now being passed on to renters. This shift is causing complications in rental cost calculations, particularly as larger apartment complexes navigate their existing contracts for trash pickup, making fee allocation a complex issue.

The situation is further complicated for renters of single-family homes, which are often exempt from rent control rules. Landlords of these properties may quickly pass along new expenses, increasing the financial strain on renters. Furthermore, legal regulations regarding pets have also created confusion; while ‘pet rent’ is permissible, the requirement for a pet security deposit may not be, complicating landlord-tenant interactions.

While renter’s insurance is not mandated by law, landlords can still require tenants to carry it as part of their rental agreement. Additional costs related to parking and various amenities can also be added to monthly rent, with landlords obligated to provide adequate notice of any changes. California law caps rental application fees at approximately $65, which must accurately reflect the actual costs incurred by the landlord. However, nonrefundable “processing fees” in addition to application costs are prohibited by law.

It is essential to note that landlords cannot charge for pest control services, as maintaining habitability in rentals is a legal obligation they must fulfill. Even with the legalization of marijuana in California, landlords retain the right to restrict smoking on their properties.

As the rental landscape evolves, new legislation introduced in 2025 aims to enhance tenant protections. Notably, landlords are now required to provide tenants with credit reporting for positive rental payment history, improving the ability for responsible renters to maintain a good credit score. Further changes include the removal of additional check-related fees for rent payments and security deposits, along with new mandates for recordkeeping regarding rental conditions before and after tenancies for security deposit claims.

One significant improvement in tenant rights includes new protections for survivors of domestic violence. Landlords are now responsible for changing locks upon request, ensuring a safe environment for affected individuals. The eviction process is also undergoing changes, with streamlined procedures extending tenant response times from five to ten days. Although this adjustment aims to provide tenants with more time to address eviction notices, existing small landlords report facing substantial financial challenges due to the slower eviction process.

Many tenants may withhold rent for valid reasons, contributing to the already complex situation in the rental market. It is crucial for both renters and landlords to maintain thorough records and gain a legal understanding of their rights and responsibilities to navigate these challenges effectively.

As renters continue to adjust to these new laws and rising costs, it remains vital for them to stay informed about their rights and the obligations of their landlords. With nearly half of San Diego County residents living in rental properties, understanding these dynamics is essential for maintaining secure and affordable housing in the area.