San Diego Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide

San Diego operates under California state law (Civ. Code 1950.5, AB 1482) with the City of San Diego Tenant Protection Ordinance overlay. San Diego is moderately tenant-protective, less strict than SF/LA but stricter than Sacramento. This is the SD-specific quick reference for 2026.

## California baseline

• Security deposit: 1 month cap (AB 12), 2 months small-owner carve-out (Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5(c)(5)(A)).
• Return deadline: 21 days (Civ. Code 1950.5(h)(1)).
• AB 1482 rent cap: 5% + CPI or 10%.
• Just cause after 12 months (Civ. Code 1946.2).

## San Diego-specific rules

City of San Diego: - SD Tenant Protection Ordinance (effective 2023): just cause for tenancies of any length (no 12-month state threshold). - Tenant relocation assistance for no-fault terminations (typically $1,200-$5,000+ depending on circumstances). - No rent control (SD voted against expanding RSO). - Lead-based paint: federal 24 CFR Part 35. - City of San Diego Habitability Standards: SDPD inspections. - Source-of-income protection: enacted 2018.

## San Diego eviction process

SD evictions go through SD County Superior Court:

1. Serve 3-day pay-or-quit (CCP 1161(2)) or 30/60-day no-fault.
2. File UD Complaint.
3. Tenant 5-day answer.
4. Trial within 20-30 days.
5. Sheriff lockout.

## Common mistakes

No-fault termination without SD just cause. SD Tenant Protection Ordinance applies to tenancies of any length, not just 12+ months as state.

Refusing Section 8. SD source-of-income ordinance prohibits.

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