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.


By Ascent Property Management August 20, 2025
Owning rental property in San Diego has its perks. Sunshine year-round, mild weather, and steady rental demand. But while we may not face snowstorms or freezing pipes, landlords still need to prepare their properties for the shift into winter. Those rare seasonal rains, shorter days, and cooler nights can expose small issues that lead to big repairs if they’re ignored. Here are the top maintenance tasks San Diego landlords should tackle before winter hits. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage Even though rain is infrequent in San Diego, when it comes, it can be heavy. Clogged gutters or poor drainage around the property can lead to water pooling near the foundation, roof leaks, or flooding. A quick clean-out and inspection can save you thousands in repairs down the road. Inspect the Roof Summer heat can take a toll on shingles and tiles. Before the rainy season arrives, it’s smart to check for cracks, loose materials, or signs of wear. Even a small leak can cause major damage if a storm rolls through. Service Heating Systems San Diego winters may be mild, but tenants still rely on their heaters when the nights get chilly. Schedule a routine HVAC inspection to make sure the system is clean, efficient, and safe. A well-maintained system reduces tenant complaints and helps avoid emergency repair calls during a cold snap. Test Weatherstripping and Windows Drafty windows or worn-out weatherstripping can make a rental feel less comfortable and drive up utility bills. Replacing seals and caulking around windows and doors is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency and keep tenants happy. Trim Trees and Landscaping Fall is a great time to prune back overgrown trees and shrubs. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also reduces the risk of branches breaking during a storm and causing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles. Final Thoughts Proactive seasonal maintenance protects your investment and keeps tenants satisfied. In San Diego, that means getting ahead of rain, cooler weather, and shorter days. By tackling these tasks before winter, landlords can avoid costly repairs, reduce turnover, and ensure their rental properties are safe and comfortable year-round. 
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By Ascent Property Management May 27, 2025
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By Ascent Property Management April 24, 2025
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By Ascent Property Management August 20, 2025
Owning rental property in San Diego has its perks. Sunshine year-round, mild weather, and steady rental demand. But while we may not face snowstorms or freezing pipes, landlords still need to prepare their properties for the shift into winter. Those rare seasonal rains, shorter days, and cooler nights can expose small issues that lead to big repairs if they’re ignored. Here are the top maintenance tasks San Diego landlords should tackle before winter hits. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage Even though rain is infrequent in San Diego, when it comes, it can be heavy. Clogged gutters or poor drainage around the property can lead to water pooling near the foundation, roof leaks, or flooding. A quick clean-out and inspection can save you thousands in repairs down the road. Inspect the Roof Summer heat can take a toll on shingles and tiles. Before the rainy season arrives, it’s smart to check for cracks, loose materials, or signs of wear. Even a small leak can cause major damage if a storm rolls through. Service Heating Systems San Diego winters may be mild, but tenants still rely on their heaters when the nights get chilly. Schedule a routine HVAC inspection to make sure the system is clean, efficient, and safe. A well-maintained system reduces tenant complaints and helps avoid emergency repair calls during a cold snap. Test Weatherstripping and Windows Drafty windows or worn-out weatherstripping can make a rental feel less comfortable and drive up utility bills. Replacing seals and caulking around windows and doors is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency and keep tenants happy. Trim Trees and Landscaping Fall is a great time to prune back overgrown trees and shrubs. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also reduces the risk of branches breaking during a storm and causing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles. Final Thoughts Proactive seasonal maintenance protects your investment and keeps tenants satisfied. In San Diego, that means getting ahead of rain, cooler weather, and shorter days. By tackling these tasks before winter, landlords can avoid costly repairs, reduce turnover, and ensure their rental properties are safe and comfortable year-round. 
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.
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.
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