Best Move-In Checklist Items for San Diego Tenants

The first week in a new rental sets up the rest of the lease. A few minutes spent on photos, paperwork and utilities now can save a dispute over the deposit later. This checklist is for renters moving into a home or apartment in San Diego, and it covers California rules and City of San Diego rules as of September 2026.

Each item says what to do and, where a law applies, which one. Rules can change, and some depend on where the unit is, so check your own lease and the sources named here.

At a glance

1. Read the lease, all of it

Before you sign, read the whole lease, including any addenda (pets, parking, utilities, renters insurance). Note who pays which utilities, how to request repairs, how rent is paid, and how much notice you must give to move out. If something in it is unclear, ask before signing, not after. McKee residents can read our general rental terms and conditions ahead of time.

2. Photograph the unit on move-in day

Under AB 2801 (Civil Code § 1950.5), for tenancies starting on or after 1 July 2025, the landlord must photograph the unit immediately before or at the start of the tenancy. Since 1 April 2025, landlords must also take photos after the tenant moves out and after any repairs or cleaning, and send those photos with the itemized deposit statement. It is still worth taking your own dated photos and a short video of every room, including floors, walls, appliances, windows and the inside of cabinets. That is practical advice, not a legal requirement, but it gives you your own record.

3. Check the security deposit against the cap

Under AB 12 (Civil Code § 1950.5(c)), a security deposit for a tenancy starting on or after 1 July 2024 can be no more than one month's rent. Certain small landlords may charge up to two months, but not to service members. The statute defines "security" broadly, as any payment, fee, deposit or charge, so a pet deposit counts toward the cap. When you move out, the landlord has 21 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement with photos, and you may ask for a pre-move-out inspection no earlier than two weeks before the tenancy ends. A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith can owe up to twice the deposit in statutory damages.

4. Get renters insurance

The California Department of Insurance says a landlord's policy does not cover a tenant's belongings. A renters policy typically covers your personal property, loss of use (if you have to live elsewhere during repairs), liability and medical payments to others. Many leases require it, so check yours for the minimum coverage and whether the landlord must be listed on the policy.

5. Start SDG&E service

San Diego Gas & Electric lets you start service online through its My Energy Center move-in request, or by phone at 1-800-411-7343. SDG&E may ask for a deposit if you don't have established credit with it. Start the request as soon as you have your move-in date, and check your lease for which utilities are already in the owner's name.

6. Sort out trash, and know who pays the city fee

In the City of San Diego, properties that get city trash collection (mostly single-family homes, plus buildings with four or fewer units on a lot) are charged a Measure B (2022) fee of $523.20 a year for FY2026 and FY2027. The city bills it to the owner on the county property tax bill, as "SD Solid Waste Mgmt Fee." The city's FAQ does not say whether an owner may pass the fee on to a tenant, and its assistance program says tenants are not eligible to apply. If your lease mentions trash charges, read that clause, and ask your manager which bins are yours and what day they are collected.

7. Check residential permit parking

The City of San Diego runs residential permit parking in a few areas, as of September 2026:

• Area A, Hillcrest (Uptown): Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Area B, SDSU / College Area: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Area D, Logan Heights: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Area E, Mesa College: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Area F, El Cortez / Downtown: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Permits cost $11.50 a year each, two-week temporary permits cost $9, and each address can get up to four. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach have no residential permit parking district, so there is no permit to buy there.

8. Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Under Health and Safety Code § 13113.7, every dwelling needs State Fire Marshal-approved smoke alarms, and the owner must make sure they work at move-in. Tenants must tell the owner when an alarm does not work. Under § 17926, a carbon monoxide device is required in every dwelling unit with a fossil-fuel heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. Press the test button on each alarm on move-in day, and report any that fail in writing. The owner may enter with 24 hours' written notice to test or repair smoke alarms.

9. Know your tenant protections

If your rental is in the City of San Diego, the Residential Tenant Protections Ordinance (in effect since 24 June 2023) gives you just-cause protection from the first day of your tenancy, while state law starts it after 12 months. If a landlord ends a tenancy for a no-fault reason, the ordinance requires relocation assistance of two months' rent, or a waiver of two months' rent, with more in some cases the ordinance defines. Imperial Beach has its own just-cause ordinance, in effect since 22 March 2025. This is general information, not legal advice.

10. Set up the resident portal

McKee residents have a resident portal on AppFolio where they can pay rent online, set up recurring payments, view charges and payment history, and get an email reminder when rent is due. Set it up during your first week so your first payment goes smoothly. Start at our tenant portal page.

11. Keep copies of forms and notices

Save a copy of your signed lease, your move-in photos, the landlord's move-in photos if you receive them, your renters insurance declarations page and any written notices. Standard forms for McKee residents are on our tenant forms page.

Frequently asked questions

Does my landlord have to take move-in photos in California?

Yes, for tenancies starting on or after 1 July 2025. Under AB 2801 (Civil Code § 1950.5), the landlord must photograph the unit immediately before or at the start of the tenancy, and must also take photos at move-out and after repairs or cleaning. Taking your own dated photos is still a good idea.

How much can a San Diego landlord charge for a security deposit?

For tenancies starting on or after 1 July 2024, the limit under AB 12 is one month's rent. Certain small landlords may charge up to two months, but not to service members. Any fee or deposit collected as security, including a pet deposit, counts toward the cap.

Do San Diego tenants pay the city trash fee?

The City of San Diego bills its Measure B trash fee, $523.20 a year for FY2026 and FY2027, to the property owner on the county property tax bill. The city's FAQ does not say whether an owner may pass it on, so check your lease for any clause about trash charges.

Do I need a parking permit in Pacific Beach or Mission Beach?

No. As of September 2026, the City of San Diego has no residential permit parking district in Pacific Beach or Mission Beach. Permit areas exist in Hillcrest, the SDSU / College Area, Logan Heights, near Mesa College and in the El Cortez area Downtown.

More answers for renters are on our tenant FAQs page. If you are still looking for a place, browse McKee Properties' properties for rent, or see our guide to pet-friendly neighborhoods in San Diego.