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HOW TO RENT A HOME IN SAN DIEGO
You have probably heard that San Diego is a wonderful place to live. Well it is, but finding a home to
rent can be challenging. The plunge in vacancy rates is a direct result of recent job growth and
population expansion combined with little new construction of rental properties in the recent years. The
following is a “hands-on” guide to help you in your efforts in finding a home to rent in this competitive
market.
Target preferred neighborhood areas
Take into consideration commute time. Try driving your work route morning and evening to get a sense
of time, congestion and distance.
Drive through areas you believe would be suitable for you. Get a feel for the neighborhoods for such
things as shopping, parks, noise, well kept homes and yards.
By scanning newspapers you can get a feel for rental prices for the areas you may want to live in.
Choose areas that seem to fit your budget and have some availability. If possible, try not to focus on
only one area as this will limit your choices and lengthen your time to find a home.
If you have children, you may want to consider where the schools are in your area. We have maps and
reports of districts that may help in this matter. Again, try not to be too specific on any one school, as
this will extremely limit your housing choices.
Have your paperwork in order
Anytime you are out looking for rentals, you should have the following documents with you, as you may
be able to talk with an owner.

Company references or offer letter: This should contain your position, company contact person,
salary, starting date of employment, etc.
Identification: Social Security number; driver’s license; past references from landlords, bank
account information and credit card statement.
Personal references are good as well and even a photo of your family. If you are coming from out of the
country bring a credit report from you last home as these are not accessible from the U.S.
Be financially ready
Have monies available in your checking account to place a deposit on a home you want. Most landlords
will want the deposit and first month’s rent in a cashier type check you can buy from your bank.
Security deposits are generally one to two moths rent on houses, townhouses, and condos. Apartments
are generally half that amount. Pet deposits will also increase the amount by several hundred dollars.
Remember, until you have been approved by the landlord and have signed a lease and given your
monies, the home is still subject to continued showings to applicants.
Looking good
More than likely there are many other people looking to rent the same property as you. Make a good
impression on agents and owners. Be well-groomed and charming. This can really make the difference
with your application.
Introducing yourself
It is important to try and “sell yourself” when calling or meeting property managers. They are looking
for the most qualified tenants possible to reduce their risk of non-payments and damage to their
properties. Knowing that there are many other people looking for the same type of property it
emphasizes the importance of selling yourself.
Be prepared to explain clearly what you are looking for: a house, townhouse, or condo. In addition, the
time frame of when you need to occupy the property, how many bedrooms and baths you want, garage,
yard, and the maximum monthly amount you will pay in rent. Tell them how many people will be living
there and how you can be reached by telephone. Let them know whom you work for and what your title
is. Be available to see property when appointments are made. Less than 10% of properties accept pets. If
you have one, make sure to ask if they will accept one before you make an appointment to view the
property.
Property descriptions
Single family home: Stand-alone house with no common walls. They usually have the largest yard,
garage, and sometimes even your own pool or spa. Single family homes are also the mostly likely to
accept a dog. They are, however, the highest in cost in general terms.
Townhouse: These have one or two common walls. Most townhouses are less than 2000 square feet and
often have two stories. They often have small yards and decks, and often a community pool.
Condominium: Multi-story building similar to apartments but usually upgraded and larger. Underground
parking or carports are the norms, as are small patios or balconies. A community pool and other
amenities are also common.
Apartment complex: These are the most common rental housing in all areas. Apartment complexes are
owned by a single entity (often management companies or corporations) rather than separate individuals.
They vary greatly in regards to the size of a unit, age, and amenities such as pools, gyms, parking, and
laundry. Apartment complexes are usually multi-story buildings and usually have the best availability
for rentals. On-site managers and maintenance are common. Apartment complexes are generally the
least expensive place to live. Unlike other properties, once you have placed a deposit with an apartment
community, the unit is pulled off the rental market, eliminating competition from other applicants.
Options: Since all categories of housing can differ greatly, keep in mind what amenities come with each.
Some may have refrigerators, washer and dryers, microwave ovens and air conditioning. Others may not
and you will need to rent or buy some of these appliances. This can add to your monthly expense. Check
for covered parking, pools, gyms, and other amenities that add to its value.
Apartment communities
When looking for apartments the most efficient way is to consult the rental ad magazines offered for
free at many grocery and convenience stores. We also have a list of major complexes by area that may
be of help. The best apartments would include on-site management, which allows you to view
apartments immediately without having to make appointments. But before you set out, call the
complexes you wish to see, in order to check availability and current rates. Make a list of the complexes
you will visit and in what order. If you find an apartment you like, be prepared to place a holding deposit
for 24 hours while you continue to look. Make sure to ask if it is refundable and under what terms. Get a
receipt! Deposits for apartments are generally less than for privately-owned condominiums.
Leases
House, Townhouse, or Condominiums: A twelve (12) month lease term is the norm for these privately
owned properties. After that term you can often rent month-to-month or sign another lease. By signing
another lease you protect yourself from rental increases during the next year or six months. Leases can
be difficult to break if you need to move during its term. This, however, varies greatly from landlord to
landlord.
Apartments: A six, nine, or twelve month lease is common to most communities. A shorter lease may
mean a higher rental rate verses a year long one. Once again, longer leases protect you from rental
increases for that period and sometimes even offer special incentives to do so.
Steps for securing a lease: First is the application process. This is the “who you are” and “what you do”
part. This will include all your personal information and history. A processing fee will be requested to
accompany the application. $25.00 to $40.00 per adult applicant is common. After a day or two, you
should be notified whether you have been accepted or not and contacted to set up a meeting to sign the
lease and place your deposit and/or rental money. (Cashier checks)
Walk-throughs: All types of rental property will have you do this. It is the process of checking the
property both inside and out for damage or non-working appliances prior to you moving in. Be sure to
notice all areas including carpets, vinyl floors, countertops, windows/screen, and the blinds. This
includes dirty areas as well. Also look for evidence of any unwanted pests. If so, have the landlord
correct the problem. Make sure it is complete and accurate, as this will be your baseline when you
vacate!
Your active search for a privately owned home
The San Diego Union-Tribune runs a Rental Review every Sunday in a special section. The daily
editions will contain rentals as well, and you should check them daily. This paper is also available on the
web.
San Diego Union/Tribune: www.uniontrib.com
The North County Times paper is a good source for areas in the northern part of the county.
North County Times: www.nctimes.com
San Diego Reader is a weekly paper published on Thursdays. You may find it at convenience stores, gas
stations, and coffee shops. TIP – issue is available on Wednesdays via the Internet for a head start!
San Diego Reader: www.sdreader.com
For Rent signs you may see when touring an area are just as good. Write down the address and phone
number and call as soon as possible to set up an appointment to view.
Reading classified ads in local/community newspapers (La Jolla Light, Coronado News, etc.) is also a
good ways to find a place.
Sample Property Management Websites:
North County Coastal
www.willisallen.com
North County Inland
www.renthomes.com
Central Beaches:
www.missionbeach.com
www.rivierasandiego.com
Downtown
www.centrecity.net
Other-General:
www.aptsforrent.com
www.apartmentguide.com
www.sandiegoapartments.com
www.sandiego.craigslist.org
www.renthomes.com
San Diego Roommate Resources
San Diego Union Tribune: http://classifieds.uniontrib.com
San Diego Reader: www.sdreader.com/class/roommate.html
San Diego Roommates: http://sandiegroommates.com
San Diego Rental Apartments: http://pb4.surecode.com/cgi-bin/doit.cgi?226:37:00
Roommate Finders: http://www.roomatefinders.com
Roommate Resource: www.roommateresource.com
Roommate Express: www.rommateexpress.com
Roommate Service: www.roommateservice.com
Roommate Locator: www.roommatelocator.com
Metro Rent: www.metrorent.com
College Sublease: www.collegesublease.com
Craigslist on-line Community: http://sandiego.craigslist.org
Utilities
Almost all properties you can rent do not include utilities such as electricity, gas, phone, or cable TV.
Some may include water, but generally not.
Gas and electric: You should have the gas and electric set up approximately one week before you plan
to move in by calling SDG&E. They may require a deposit if you have had no service with them.
Telephone: Call SBC several days before your move to activate local and a long distance carrier,
(AT&T, MCI, Sprint, etc.). After you have received your phone number you must call your long
distance carrier and sign up for a calling plan. If you don’t, you will have no long distance service. See
our list of utilities and their numbers.
Cable TV: You should be moved in to your new home before having this service connected, as a
technician will need to come to your home. You should also have a TV as well. Cable providers vary
from area to area and some offer high-speed cable computer modems and Internet service as well.
Water: This should be a billing change only. There are many water districts in the county so make sure
to ask your landlord which one to call.
Services: If you are renting a house or townhouse make sure to ask if gardeners are included in the
rental price. The same goes for pool and spa services if it has them.
Renter’s rights: You can find an extensive bill of rights at the State of California Department of
Consumer Affairs web page. It deals with the legal aspects of renting.
Find it at: www.dca.ca.gov/legal/landlordbook
We trust that this “rental guide” will make your house hunting in San Diego considerably easier.
Remember that we at Relocation Coordinates are always available to answer your questions.
UTILITIES – GAS & ELECTRIC SERVICES
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
Clairemont District Office
4340 Genesee Avenue, #103
San Diego, CA 92117
Toll Free:
Fax:
(800) 411-7343
(858) 654-1755
Meter deposit is generally twice the average monthly bill. If client can prove good credit with a former
electric company for at least one-year deposit may be waived. Letters of “credit reference” can be faxed
by other utility companies to SDG&E.
WATER & SEWER SERVICES
City of San Diego
202 C Street
San Diego, CA 92101
www.sannet.gov
Phone:
Fax:
(619) 515-3500
(619) 533-7593
City of Del Mar
2240 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, CA 92014
www.delmar.ca.us
Phone:
Fax:
(858) 755-3294
(858) 481-0254
City of Encinitas
505 S. Vulcan Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024-3633
www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Phone:
Fax:
(760) 633-2600
(760) 633-2627
City of Poway
13325 Civic Center Drive
Poway, CA 92074-0789
www.ci.poway.ca.us
Phone:
Fax:
(858) 748-6600
(858) 748-1455
Phone:
(858) 694-7000
WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES
City of San Diego

Within San Diego city limits, property owners do not pay for garbage pick-up; it is covered by
your property taxes.
Outside the city limits you must use one of the private Waste Collection Companies listed below,
charges vary.
Edco Waste & Recycling Services
Serving: Bonsall, Coronado, Escondido,
Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove,
Miramar, Mira Mesa, National City,
Phone:
(619) 287-7555
Rancho Santa Fe, and Spring Valley
Serving: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia,
and Olivenhain
Phone:
(760) 436-4151
Serving: Encinitas, San Marcos,
Solana Beach (part), Valley Center,
and Vista
Phone:
(760) 727-2700
Waste Management
Serving: Carlsbad, La Costa, Del Mar,
Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach (part)
Phone:
(760) 929-9401
Serving: El Cajon and Santee
Phone:
(619) 558-4744
Serving: Oceanside
Phone:
(760) 439-2824
Escondido Disposal
Serving: Escondido
Phone:
(760) 745-3203
Pacific Waste Services
Serving: Clairemont Mesa
Phone:
(858) 278-6061
Serving: Bonita and Chula Vista
Phone:
(619) 421-9400
Vista Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Serving: Vista
Phone:
(760) 639-6118
TELEPHONE SERVICES
SBC – Pacific Bell
www.sbc.com
Calling within the state of California
Phone:
(800) 310-2355
Calling outside the state of California
Phone:
(714) 339-6601
To order ISDN service
Phone:
(800) 472-4736
To order Directories & Yellow Pages
Phone:
(800) 848-8000
“Little Tokyo Service Center”
Phone:
(800) 573-7573
(Japanese Speaking Information Line)
There is no deposit required at this time. Basic connection/activation fee is approximately $35.
Long Distance Service Providers
AT&T Long Distance Service
Phone:
Including “One Rate International” service
www.ATT.com
(800) 222-0300
MCI Long Distance Service
Including “MCI World Com” service
www.mci.com
(800) 950-5555
Phone:
Sprint Long Distance Service
www.sprint.com
Phone:
(800) 877-4646
CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES
Call the company that serves your area in San Diego County to verify cable service coverage at your
street address. If your address falls in a different service coverage area they will direct you to the
appropriate cable provider.
Cox Communications Cable Services
Phone:
(619) 262-1122
www.cox.com/sandiego
Serving: parts of Bonsall, Central San Diego, East County, Point Loma, parts of Poway, Ocean Beach,
Oceanside, San Marcos, South Bay and Vista
Daniel’s Cable Vision
Phone:
(760) 931-7000
www.danielscablevision.com
Serving: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Carlsbad, Del Mar, parts of Encinitas, Fallbrook, and Solana Beach
Time Warner Cable
Phone:
(858) 695-3220
www.timewarnersandiego.com
Serving: Coronado, Clairemont, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, Morena, North County, Pacific Beach,
Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Sorrento Valley, and parts of University City
University Cable
Serving: parts of University City
Phone:
(858) 793-2442
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
SD Commute
Phone:
(800) 266-6883
www.sdcommute.com
1-800-COMMUTE provides recorded information on bus, rail, trolley, coaster, train, ride-share, carpooling, bike, highway agencies and conditions.
Taxi Services
Yellow Cab - San Diego County
Phone:
(619) 234-6161
San Diego MTS
Phone:
Access services for Seniors and Handicapped
(619) 293-3278
Carpooling Information
Phone:
(619) 237-7665
Transportation may be arranged from your residence to work or school. Service is provided for all of
San Diego County, Orange County and parts of Los Angeles.
Buses & Trolley
Route and schedule information
Phone:
Info Express Line (taped information only) Phone:
(619) 233-3004
(619) 685-4900
Amtrak
Santa Fe Depot
General information and Reservations
Phone:
Phone:
(619) 239-9021
(800) 872-7245
Coaster Connection
Phone:
(800) 722-4889 or
(619) 234-5005
Department of Motor Vehicles
General Information:
Phone:
(800) 777-0133
It is recommended to call ahead of time and make an appointment for driver’s licenses, vehicle
registration, and other miscellaneous needs. Standing in line without an appointment can take anywhere
between 45 minutes and 2 hours.
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
San Diego Union Tribune - Daily paper for San Diego areas
Union Tribune Publishing Company
Phone:
(619) 299-4141
P.O. Box 191
San Diego, CA 92112
North County Times - Daily paper for North County areas
207 E. Pennsylvania Avenue
Phone:
(800) 692-5233
Escondido, CA 92025
GENERAL INFORMATION
For all emergencies dial 911
**You can dial 911, at no charge, from any pay phone in the county that has a dial tone.
For non-emergencies
Sheriff’s Dept. (County Office)
Police Dept. (San Diego City)
Fire Dept. (San Diego City)
Ambulance
Paramedics
Poison Control Information Center
CRISIS TEAM 24-HOUR HOTLINE
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
(858) 565-5200
(619) 531-2000
(619) 533-4300
(619) 285-6429
(619) 445-0425
(800) 876-4766
(800) 479-3339
General Public Services
Attorney Referral
Better Business Bureau
City Attorney Office
City Council Information
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Department of Consumer Affairs
Employment (taped message/job listings)
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
(619) 231-8585
(858) 496-2131
(619) 236-6220
(619) 533-4001
(619) 232-3101
(800) 952-5210
(619) 682-1011
Health Department (County)
Mayor’s Office
Noise Control
Parks and Recreation
-Aquatics Center (Coastal)
-Aquatics Center (Mission Bay)
-Pools (Locations)
-Golf
-Coastal
-Torrey Pines
-Surf Information
Public Information Service
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
(619) 692-8448
(619) 236-6330
(619) 236-5500
(858) 694-3049
(619) 221-8901
(858) 488-1036
(619) 685-1322
(619) 235-1184
(858) 452-3226
(858) 552-1786
(619) 221-8884
(619) 236-5555
Amusement & Theme Parks
Balboa Park
Legoland
San Diego Wild Animal Park
San Diego Zoo
Sea World
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
(619) 223-6566
(760) 438-5346
(760) 747-8702
(619) 234-3153
(619) 226-3845
Sports
San Diego Chargers (Football)
San Diego Gulls
(Hockey)
San Diego Padres
(Baseball)
San Diego Spirit
(Women’s Soccer)
San Diego Sockers (Soccer)
San Diego Sports Arena
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
(619) 280-2121
(888) ETM-TIXS
(888) MY-PADRES
(619) 692-9872
(619) 224-4625
(619) 224-4176
Arts & Entertainment
Convention and Performing Arts Center
San Diego Symphony & Orchestra
San Diego Opera
Civic Theatre (Box Office)
“TELESEAT” Reservation Number
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
(619) 615-4100
(619) 235-0800
(619) 232-7636
(619) 236-6510
(619) 283-7328