San Diego Rental Laws & Rent Control (2026)
City flag · San Diego
San Diego is in San Diego County, California. It adds local protections on top of statewide law: Just-cause protection start, Relocation (months of rent), Relocation — senior/disabled. Confirm each rule's current scope with the city before acting.
San Diego local rules (3)
These sit on top of the statewide rules below. Each one links to the official San Diego source we track it from. Scope can depend on the building’s age, unit count and tenancy — verify against the source before acting.
Just-cause protection start
Effective June 2023From day 1 of the tenancy
Official San Diego sourceRelocation (months of rent)
Effective June 20232 months of rent
Official San Diego sourceRelocation — senior/disabled
Effective June 20233 months of rent
Official San Diego source
Statewide laws that apply in San Diego
- California Security Deposit Law (2026)
California security deposit limits, the 21-day return deadline, allowed deductions, photos, and bad-faith penalties under Civil Code §1950.5.
- California Rent Increase Laws & AB 1482 Rent Cap (2026)
California AB 1482 rent caps, increase frequency, exemptions, and 30- or 90-day notice rules under Civil Code §§1947.12 and 827.
- California Just Cause Eviction Rules (AB 1482, §1946.2)
California AB 1482 just-cause eviction rules, at-fault and no-fault grounds, relocation assistance, and notice requirements.
- California Habitability & Repair Duties (§1941.1, SB 721)
California habitability and repair duties under Civil Code §1941.1, plus SB 721 balcony inspection rules for multifamily buildings.
- California Security Deposit Photo Rules (AB 2801, 2026)
California AB 2801 move-in and move-out photo requirements, deposit deductions, and professional-cleaning limits under §1950.5.
- California Working Stove & Refrigerator Law (AB 628, 2026)
California AB 628 stove and refrigerator habitability requirements for leases entered, amended, or extended from January 1, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does San Diego have rent control?
- We do not currently track a city rent cap for San Diego. We do track these local tenant protections: Just-cause protection start, Relocation (months of rent), Relocation — senior/disabled. Confirm the current rules with the city before acting.
- What security-deposit limit applies in San Diego?
- California's statewide limit applies: one month's rent as of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), with a narrow small-landlord two-month exception. The deposit must be returned within 21 days.
This page is general information about California law, not legal advice, and may not reflect the latest changes or your city’s local ordinances. Verify against the current statute or consult a California attorney before acting. Last reviewed: June 26, 2026.