San Diego, CA Local Law
Your complete guide to renter protections in San Diego, CA. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside California state protections.
No
Rent Control
21
Days to Return Deposit
1 month's rent
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Max Deposit shows the short version — read the full rule below.
Current rent regulation status
No Local Rent Control
San Diego does not have local rent control. California state law governs rent increase practices.
Without local rent control, landlords in San Diego may raise rent with proper written notice as required by California law. There is no cap on the amount of increase, but it must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
San Diego-specific laws and ordinances
Statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies
San Diego Tenants' Right to Know Ordinance
Anti-retaliation protections for habitability complaints
Local ordinances work alongside California state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full California state protections.
Laws that apply to all California renters
Max Security Deposit
1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person or family-LLC landlord with ≤2 properties/≤4 units, and never for a service member)
Deposit Return Deadline
21 days
Entry Notice Required
Reasonable noticenot a fixed minimum: 24 hours is only presumed reasonable
Governing Statute
California Civil Code
Something else? Contact our team
No, San Diego does not currently have local rent control. California state law governs rent increase rules. Landlords must typically provide proper written notice before raising rent.
In San Diego, the California state limit of 1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person or family-LLC landlord with ≤2 properties/≤4 units, and never for a service member) applies. Landlords must return deposits within 21 days after you move out.
San Diego tenants benefit from several protections: Statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies; San Diego Tenants' Right to Know Ordinance; Anti-retaliation protections for habitability complaints. These are in addition to California state law.
You can contact the San Diego local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the California attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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