If you’re a homeowner in the San Diego metro area-whether in North Park, South Park, University Heights, Golden Hill, or nearby-here’s a development worth watching. County leaders in San Diego County are considering an ordinance to limit so-called “junk fees” charged to renters, such as extra costs for pest control, trash, or other add-ons. The idea: cap these extra charges at around 5% and ban certain basic surcharges altogether.
Why does this matter for you as a homeowner or seller?
Because such changes can ripple across the housing market, if landlords can’t tack on extra fees, they believe renting becomes a cleaner, more attractive option. That can increase demand in rental-friendly neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and the rest of the metro.
- For homeowners looking to sell, greater rental demand in your area can buoy investor interest, which might lift pricing dynamics. Click here for your free home valuation.
- For Investors, on the flip side, if rental returns shift downward because of fee restrictions, investor math and buyer decisions can change, potentially impacting pricing for multi-unit homes or investment properties. Investors may not want to buy properties that yield fewer rental units.
- For sellers of single-family homes or condos, knowing how the rental market is evolving helps you understand competition, timing, and positioning.
- On the legislative side: While the specific “junk fee” ordinance is under consideration at the County level, the City of San Diego has already taken steps: it passed an ordinance limiting landlords from passing through inflated utility or service fees for city-provided services, requiring transparency in how those costs are billed. Meanwhile, statewide laws, such as Senate Bill 611, ban certain notice fees or convenience fees for tenants in California.
What this means for you, practically
- If you’re thinking of selling, highlight to buyers that your home is in a strong rental zone with evolving protections and transparency-this is a value-add when they’re viewing it through either owner-occupant or investment lenses.
- If you’re buying or considering investment property, ensure you model rental income conservatively. Don’t assume unlimited fee add-ons. Local rules may limit fee income, and certification or compliance may be required.
If you’re still owner-occupied but considering renting out in the future, now is a good time to review your lease structure (or plan leases), anticipating fewer surprise charges or add-ons.
At the end of the day, changes in rental fee regulations are yet another signal in the San Diego housing market:
Affordability concerns, investor behavior shifts, and neighborhood-specific dynamics matter.
For homeowners in North Park, South Park, University Heights, Golden Hill, and surrounding metro zones who are looking to sell or considering their next move, download your free home valuation here. Understanding the rental side helps enhance your strategy.
If you are thinking of buying or selling your home in the near future, reach out to the McT Real Estate Group. With 20+ years of Real Estate experience and over 520+ local sales, we will help you interpret these shifts and plan your next step with confidence. Call us today.