San Diego County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration Required
- No county registration program
- State Requirements
- Habitability, disclosures, security deposit
- Security Deposit
- 1 month max (AB 12, eff. 7/1/2024)
- AB 1482 Notice
- Required for covered properties
- Resources
- SD Housing Commission
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County does not currently require a rental property registration or licensing program. Landlords must comply with California state law requirements including habitability standards, security deposit rules, and AB 1482 disclosures.
rty [1940 - 1954.071] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. ) 1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. In determining the lowest gross rental amount pursuant to this section, any rent discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits offered by the owner of such unit of residential real property and accepted by the tenant shall be excluded.
Full Breakdown
Unlike some jurisdictions, unincorporated San Diego County does not have a mandatory rental property registration or licensing program. However, landlords must comply with all California state requirements: maintaining habitable premises per Civil Code §1941, providing proper AB 1482 rent cap and just cause eviction notices, following security deposit limits (effective July 1, 2024: one month's rent for all landlords per AB 12), providing required disclosures about mold, lead paint, Megan's Law, and other hazards, and complying with anti-discrimination laws. The San Diego Housing Commission provides resources for landlords and tenants. Some specific community areas or housing programs may have additional requirements.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with state landlord-tenant requirements may result in tenant claims, reduced damages in eviction proceedings, and potential Housing Commission enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my rental property in unincorporated San Diego County?
What disclosures must I provide to tenants?
What is the security deposit limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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