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City guide · San Diego

San Diego rent increase rules (2026)

The city of San Diego has no local rent control, so the state AB 1482 cap sets the limit: 8.2% for increases effective Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027. But San Diego's own tenant protection ordinance adds just cause rules, a required notice, and relocation payments that are larger than the state's.

Last reviewed October 18, 2026

San Diego at a glance

8.2% state cap
Just cause from day one (tenancies over 30 days)
Relocation: 2 months (3 for seniors or disabled)

On this page Rent cap Tenant Protection Ordinance Relocation Owner move-in Required notices

How much can rent go up in San Diego?

For covered units, rent can rise no more than 5% plus the regional CPI change, or 10%, whichever is lower, over any 12 months. For San Diego County that is 8.2% for increases effective Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027, down from 8.8% the year before. § 1947.12

  • The base is the lowest rent charged in the 12 months before the increase.
  • No more than two increases in 12 months, and the total still can't exceed the cap.
  • Give written notice at least 30 days ahead for an increase of 10% or less, or 90 days for more, plus 5 days if mailed. § 827

The state exemptions apply in San Diego too: housing with a certificate of occupancy from the past 15 years, owner-occupied duplexes, and single-family homes or condos owned by individuals when the tenant has received the exact exemption notice. Check whether your rental is exempt.

Calculate your maximum increase

San Diego's Tenant Protection Ordinance

The city's Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance took effect June 24, 2023, and was amended effective March 28, 2024. SDMC §§ 98.0701–98.0710 It replaces the state just cause rules for covered units in the city, and it's stricter in three main ways:

  • No 12-month wait. State just cause starts after 12 months. The city ordinance applies to tenancies of more than 30 days, without that waiting period. Fixed-term leases of 3 months or less are excluded.
  • Bigger relocation payments for no-fault terminations (below).
  • A required notice of tenant rights, with the San Diego Housing Commission's guide attached.

Many of the same properties are exempt as under state law, including newer housing, owner-occupied duplexes, rooms in an owner's home, deed-restricted affordable housing, and single-family homes or condos owned by individuals that have the written exemption notice. SDMC § 98.0703

Reasons to end a tenancy

  • At-fault causes include not paying rent, a lease violation, nuisance, damage to the unit, criminal activity, and refusing lawful entry. SDMC § 98.0704(a)
  • No-fault causes are owner or family move-in, taking the unit off the rental market, a government order to vacate, and demolition or substantial remodel. SDMC § 98.0704(b)

Relocation assistance in San Diego

For a no-fault termination, the landlord must provide two months' rent, or three months' rent if a tenant is 62 or older or disabled. It's owed regardless of how long the tenant has lived there. Pay it directly within 15 days of the notice, or waive the same amount of rent and state that in the notice. SDMC § 98.0706(c) Failing to pay can expose the landlord to damages of up to several times the relocation amount. SDMC § 98.0709

Owner move-in in San Diego

  • The owner, or their spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent, must move in within 90 days and live there at least 12 continuous months.
  • For newer leases, this cause is available only if the lease allows it or the tenant agrees in writing. Check the ordinance for which leases this applies to. SDMC § 98.0704(b)(1)
  • It isn't allowed if a similar unit on the property is vacant, or if the person moving in already lives there.
  • The notice must name the person moving in and their relationship, and the owner must give proof if the tenant asks.

The state rules work the same way in many respects. See owner move-in in California.

Substantial remodel

The work must need permits, be structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work or hazardous-material abatement, and require the tenant to be out at least 30 days in a row. Cosmetic work doesn't count. Permits must be in hand before the notice is served, and the notice is signed under penalty of perjury with copies of the permits. SDMC § 98.0704(b)(4)

Notices San Diego landlords need

  • Notice of tenant rights: in at least 12-point type, with the San Diego Housing Commission's Tenant Protection Guide attached, given in or with each new or renewed lease. Translation rules under Civil Code 1632 apply. SDMC § 98.0705
  • Termination notices: in writing, in at least 12-point type, stating the reason, the tenant's relocation rights, and their right to re-rent the unit if it's offered again. SDMC § 98.0706
  • Re-rental: if you re-rent within 5 years after an owner move-in, government order, or remodel termination, you must first offer the unit to the former tenant, if they asked in writing within 30 days of the notice. SDMC § 98.0706(d)
  • Buyout offers: require a written disclosure first, and the buyout must be more than the relocation amount owed. SDMC § 98.0707
  • Termination reporting: the ordinance will require landlords to report terminations to the Housing Commission once its online registry opens. As of this review it hasn't launched. Check the Housing Commission's page.

Outside the city limits

The ordinance covers the city of San Diego only. Other cities in the county, such as Chula Vista or Escondido, and unincorporated areas follow state law unless they have their own rules. Check with the city before relying on this page.

Rules like these change. Confirm with the San Diego Housing Commission or a landlord-tenant attorney before ending a tenancy.

Other city guides: Los Angeles, Sacramento. Moving back in yourself? See owner move-in in California.

Common questions

Does San Diego have rent control?

Not its own. The city of San Diego has no local rent cap, so the state AB 1482 cap applies: 8.2% for increases effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. The city does have a tenant protection ordinance with just cause and relocation rules.

How much notice do I need to raise rent in San Diego?

State law applies: at least 30 days' written notice for an increase of 10% or less over 12 months, and 90 days for more. Add 5 days if you mail it.

How much relocation do I owe in San Diego?

For a no-fault termination, two months' current rent, or three months if a tenant is 62 or older or disabled. Pay it within 15 days of the notice, or waive the same amount of rent and say so in the notice.

Is a single-family home in San Diego covered?

It can be exempt from both the state cap and the city ordinance if it's owned by individuals (not a REIT, corporation, or LLC with a corporate member) and the tenant received the exact written exemption notice. Without the notice, the single-family exemption isn't available, though another exemption, such as newer construction, might apply.