Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in San Diego

San Diego, CA Rental Property Rules: Section 8 Voucher Acceptance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Administrator
San Diego Housing Commission
Tenant share
Roughly 30 percent of income
SOI law
Cal. Gov Code §12955(p)
Inspection standard
HUD Housing Quality Standards
Local code
SDMC §98.0301

Summary

The San Diego Housing Commission administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for the city. California Government Code §12955(p) bars landlords from refusing voucher holders, treating refusal as illegal source-of-income discrimination.

12955. It shall be unlawful: (a) For the owner of any housing accommodation to discriminate against or harass any person because of the race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, veteran or military status, or genetic information of that person.

Source: SDHC Housing Choice Voucher ProgramView official code

Full Breakdown

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), established under SDMC §98.0301, runs the city's federal Housing Choice Voucher program. Voucher holders pay roughly 30 percent of household income, and SDHC pays the remainder of contract rent up to a Payment Standard tied to local Fair Market Rent. California Government Code §12955(p), strengthened by SB-329 in 2019, prohibits landlords from excluding voucher holders, raising rent specifically for them, or imposing extra screening fees. SDHC inspects units annually for Housing Quality Standards. Tenants who lose a voucher for non-payment may face eviction, but the underlying just-cause and no-fault rules still apply.

Violations & Fines

Refusing a voucher applicant violates Government Code §12955 and risks Civil Rights Department penalties up to $25,000 plus damages. Failing HQS inspections suspends SDHC payments until repairs are completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a San Diego landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
No. State law treats voucher refusal as source-of-income discrimination. Landlords must consider voucher applicants on the same terms as cash-paying applicants and accept the SDHC contract.
Who inspects Section 8 units in San Diego?
SDHC inspectors visit each unit at lease-up and annually thereafter to verify HUD Housing Quality Standards. Failed inspections suspend voucher payments until repairs are completed and re-inspected.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Diego

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsRepairs & HabitabilitySome RestrictionsRelocation AssistanceSignificant RestrictionsTenant Anti-HarassmentFew RestrictionsSecurity Deposit RulesSome RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationLight RestrictionsNo-Fault EvictionsSome RestrictionsJust Cause EvictionSome RestrictionsRental RegistrationSome RestrictionsRent ControlSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All San Diego rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California rental property rules overview

Get notified when Section 8 Voucher Acceptance in San Diego, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.