San Diego vs San Marcos
How do rent control rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego's Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance (SDMC §§98.0701-98.0709), adopted May 16, 2023, provides tenant protections that exceed California's AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act. Under state law, annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus local CPI-U, not exceeding 10% total. San Diego's ordinance provides protections from the start of tenancy (AB 1482 requires 12 months). Enhanced relocation assistance of 3 months' rent applies for senior and disabled tenants.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos has no local rent control ordinance. Qualifying rental properties are covered by California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | SDMC §§98.0701-98.0709 | - |
| Rent Cap | 5% + CPI-U, max 10%/year (AB 1482) | - |
| Effective | June 24, 2023 | - |
| Immediate Protections | From start of tenancy (exceeds AB 1482) | - |
| Relocation | 3 months' rent for seniors/disabled (vs. 1 month under AB 1482) | - |
| Local Rent Control | - | None |
| State Cap (AB 1482) | - | 5% + CPI or 10% max |
| Applies To | - | Properties 15+ years old |
| Notice Required | - | 30 days (or 90 if >10%) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
Does San Diego have rent control?
Yes. San Diego's Tenant Protections Ordinance (SDMC §§98.0701-98.0709) and California's AB 1482 cap rent increases at 5% plus local CPI, not exceeding 10% annually.
How is San Diego's ordinance different from AB 1482?
San Diego's protections apply from day one of tenancy (AB 1482 requires 12 months), provide higher relocation assistance for seniors and disabled tenants (3 months vs 1 month), and include a right to renew within 5 years.
San Marcos FAQ
Does San Marcos have rent control?
No local rent control. California's AB 1482 caps annual increases at 5% plus CPI or 10% (whichever is less) for qualifying properties 15+ years old.
Is my rental property exempt from AB 1482?
Single-family homes not owned by corporations (with proper notice), owner-occupied duplexes, and housing built within the last 15 years may be exempt.
How much notice is required for a rent increase?
30 days' written notice for increases of 10% or less, or 90 days' notice for increases over 10%.
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