San Diego Short Term Rental Laws; What You Need To Know

Ascent Property Management • December 9, 2021

Short-term rentals are a hot button item. Low inventory and homeowners fed up with noisy temporary neighbors has led to heavier regulation in San Diego. Here’s what you need to know.


Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO)

This new ordinance, titled Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO), limits the number of short-term rentals allowed in San Diego, and introduces a licensing system for those who wish to rent out their second homes as vacation properties.


Whole-home rentals will now be capped at 1% of the city’s overall housing stock. Mission Beach has an exemption, in which 30% of homes can be rented.


“The regulations require a license to operate a STRO unit, establish limits on the number of licenses a host may obtain, create reasonable caps on the total number of whole home STRO units, and create a licensing process in order to track, manage and enforce all aspects of the STRO. Licenses will be required to operate a STRO in the City of San Diego beginning July 1, 2022.” – Sandiego.gov


The ordinance further breaks down short-term rentals into tiers. At this time, if your property falls into either tier 1 or 2, you will be exempt from the new ordinance.


To even the playing field, Mayor Todd Gloria has suggested a lottery system for the initial round of licenses. Our San Diego City Council also intends on rewarding those with good behavior:


“An amendment was added to prioritize "good actors," those who have abided by the city's previous rental laws, when licensing begins later this year.


The legislation also has a good-neighbor policy, in which both hosts and guests could be fined up to $1,000 for violating rental rules. Guests renting a whole home in San Diego will be required to stay for a minimum of two nights.” – NBC News


So, Now What?

As we mentioned earlier, this ordinance will not go into effect until July of 2022. With more details to iron out, we’ll have to wait and see how the process of this new ordinance will shake out.


Regardless, the new law is expected drastically reduce the number of short-term rentals in San Diego by two thirds, and reduce taxes collected by San Diego by almost $3 million.


Ascent Property Management

Feeling like your property management knowledge isn’t up to snuff? We provide thorough training and unparalleled support to our portfolio managers, property managers, and associate team members to help them achieve “above and beyond” service—because we care! If you’re in need of property management assistance, You can reach us at 760-994-5037 or info@ascentpropertymanagement.com.

How to Keep Your Rental Unit Cool: Tips for Landlords

By Ascent Property Management • June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.

Summer Events in San Diego: 2025 Edition

By Ascent Property Management • May 27, 2025
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How to Fill Rental Vacancies Quickly

By Ascent Property Management • April 24, 2025
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Termite Season in San Diego: What Landlords Should Watch Out For

By Ascent Property Management • March 19, 2025
As spring arrives in San Diego, so does one of the biggest threats to rental properties—termites. While termites are a year-round concern, spring is when they become most active, swarming in search of new places to establish colonies. For landlords, early detection and prevention are crucial to avoiding costly damage. Here’s what you need to know about termite season and how to protect your rental property. Why Spring Is Peak Termite Season Termites, particularly dry wood and subterranean species become more visible in the spring because of increased warmth and humidity. Swarmers—winged termites looking for new homes—emerge in large numbers, often resembling flying ants. If you or your tenants notice them inside or around the property, it’s a sign that termites may already exist. Signs of a Termite Infestation Landlords should stay vigilant for these common signs of termite activity: Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build small, pencil-thin tunnels along walls and foundations to retain moisture as they travel. Hollow-Sounding Wood: If tapping on wood surfaces produces a hollow sound, termites may have eaten away the interior. Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored droppings near infested areas. Warped Doors and Windows: As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause structures to shift, making doors and windows harder to open or close. Visible Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Seeing swarmers inside a rental property or piles of shed wings is a major red flag. Prevention Tips for Landlords To keep termites at bay, landlords should take proactive measures, such as: Scheduling Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections can catch infestations before they become severe. Keeping the Property Dry: Fixing leaks, maintaining gutters, and ensuring proper drainage reduces the moisture termites need to survive. Using Treated Wood: If making repairs, opt for termite-resistant materials. Removing Wood-to-Soil Contact: Avoid storing firewood near the foundation and ensure wooden structures don’t directly touch the soil. Protecting Your Investment with Professional Help At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to avoid issues with your investment property. Our team is here to help you manage your property with proactive maintenance and expert guidance, ensuring your rental stays in great shape. Reach out today to learn how we can support you in protecting your investment.
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How to Keep Your Rental Unit Cool: Tips for Landlords

By Ascent Property Management • June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.

Summer Events in San Diego: 2025 Edition

By Ascent Property Management • May 27, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Fill Rental Vacancies Quickly

By Ascent Property Management • April 24, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
Show More