San Diego, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Registry
- Tenant Termination Notice Registry at SDHC
- Filing Deadline
- Within 3 business days of serving tenant notice
- Written Notice
- Required in 12-point font per §98.0705(a)
- Scope
- All at-fault and no-fault terminations
- Language
- Must comply with CA Civil Code §1632 language requirements
Summary
San Diego requires landlords to file termination notices with the San Diego Housing Commission's Tenant Termination Notice Registry within 3 business days of serving notice to the tenant for both at-fault and no-fault terminations per SDMC §98.0705. Landlords must provide written notice in 12-point font informing tenants of their rights under California Civil Code §1947.12 and local protections. The Housing Commission maintains the registry for tracking and enforcement.
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
San Diego may require rental property registration to track housing stock and ensure code compliance. Registered properties are subject to periodic inspections for fire safety, structural integrity, and habitability standards. Landlords must maintain current contact information on file. Registration fees are set by local ordinance per unit annually. Some jurisdictions require registration before renting any residential unit. Certificate of occupancy or rental license may be needed. Properties must pass inspection before initial rental and periodically thereafter. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 buildings. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landlords need to register with the City?
What notice must landlords give tenants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle rental registration.