San Diego County, CA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger threshold
- 10+ calls for service in 90 days
- Inspects
- dwelling units and common areas
- Certification term
- 1 year, non-transferable
- Extra inspection fee
- $100 per visit past two
- Enforcing agency
- Sheriff's Department
Summary
Crime Free Multi-Housing Certification requires an inspection of rental units before certification for high calls-for-service properties.
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 who already completed the Certification is still retained. The owner will be provided with an inspection report describing any condition which constitutes a violation of any applicable law or regulation, and shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to correct any such conditions. In the event that more than two follow-up inspections are required in order for the Sheriff to determine compliance, the applicant shall pay an additional inspection service fee of $100.00 for each additional inspection. Payment must be made in full prior to Certification. (Added by Ord. No. 10064 (N.S.), effective 8-12-10)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated San Diego County rental facilities with at least 10 calls for service to the Sheriff or Fire Department in any 90-day period, at a rate 25% above similar properties, must obtain a Crime Free Multi-Housing Certification. No certification issues or renews until the Sheriff inspects the dwelling units and common areas and finds them compliant with applicable laws; a change of ownership triggers a new inspection unless the certified manager stays on.
Violations & Fines
Renting without required certification is unlawful; more than two follow-up inspections add a $100 fee per extra visit before certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every rental in San Diego County need an inspection?
What happens if the inspection finds violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California rental inspections overview
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