Rental Inspections in San Diego County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in San Diego County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of San Diego County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Inspection Programs

Crime Free Multi-Housing Certification requires an inspection of rental units before certification for high calls-for-service properties.

San Diego County Rental Inspection Program

Significant Restrictions

San Diego County Code § 32.1209

No Crime Free Multi-Housing Certification shall be issued or renewed unless the dwelling unit(s) and common area(s) in connection with which the Certification is sought are found after inspection to meet all applicable laws and regulations. Rental dwelling units that change ownership shall be required to be inspected before a new Certification may be issued, unless either the manager or owner w...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tenant Complaint Process

San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health and Quality can condemn a rental in the unincorporated area or force emergency repairs within days of finding a serious health hazard. County Code Sections 69.104 through 69.107 list six specific conditions, from hazardous wiring to failed sewage, that trigger this expedited order process instead of the slower standard state timeline.

San Diego County Rental Health and Safety Orders

Significant Restrictions

San Diego County Code §§ 69.104-69.107

(a) The Director may find that any of the following substandard conditions or a combination thereof is so extensive and of such a nature that the immediate health and safety of the tenants in the rental residence is endangered: (1) Inadequate sanitation or an unsanitary condition. (2) Continued reliance on a defective or failed sewage system that has caused an unsanitary condition within the pr...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Rental Inspections by City in San Diego County

2 cities in San Diego County have their own rental inspections rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

OceansidePop. 176,154

1 verified rule • Tenant Complaint Process

San MarcosPop. 97,749

1 verified rule • Tenant Complaint Process

All San Diego County ordinances

See every category we cover for San Diego County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

San Diego County Ordinance Hub →