Guides from McKee Properties
Keeping a San Diego County rental in good repair
Plain-English maintenance guides for rental owners across San Diego County: who pays for what, what to do each season, the safety rules that apply to the building itself, how to hire contractors and how to plan for big repairs. Every rule was checked against official sources on October 19, 2026.
For the legal rules on repairs, see habitability and repairs and handling maintenance requests. For coastal homes, see coastal maintenance for Coronado rentals. McKee's in-house maintenance division is described on maintenance services.
Who does what
Who Pays for Repairs in a California Rental: Owner vs Tenant, Item by Item
Owner vs tenant repair duties in a California rental, item by item: roof, plumbing, heat, appliances, pests, locks, yard and tenant-caused damage.
Appliances in California Rentals: Who Supplies and Repairs Them
California's stove and refrigerator rule for rentals, the fridge opt-out, the 30-day recall deadline, and how leases handle other and tenant-owned appliances.
Tenant-Caused Damage: How to Document It and Bill It Fairly
How California rental owners document tenant-caused damage, tell it from wear and tear, and charge for it under the lease or the deposit rules.
Seasons and San Diego risks
A San Diego Rental Maintenance Calendar: Season by Season
A season-by-season maintenance calendar for San Diego County rentals, built on NWS climate patterns, with the smoke alarm, water heater and SB 721 checks.
Termites and Wood-Destroying Pests in San Diego Rentals
Drywood vs subterranean termites in San Diego County rentals: signs, WDO inspection reports, Section I and II items, and tenant notices for fumigation.
Wildfire Defensible Space for San Diego County Rentals
Defensible space rules for San Diego County rentals: the 100 ft state rule, the County 150 ft rule, City of San Diego Zone 0 dates and who does the work.
Water Rules for San Diego Rentals: Fixtures, Irrigation and Leaks
Water rules for San Diego County rentals: Civil Code 1101 fixture rules, City of San Diego watering limits and 72-hour leak rule, submeters, turf and rebates.
Safety rules for the building
Water Heaters in California Rentals: Strapping, Permits and Replacement
Water heater rules for San Diego County rentals: H&S 19211 strapping, hot water as a habitability item, City and County permits, and 2025 Energy Code options.
Lead-Safe Repairs in Pre-1978 Rentals: What Owners Must Do
How the EPA RRP rule applies to repairs in pre-1978 California rentals: thresholds, certified firms, Renovate Right pamphlet and the 2027 state certificate.
Balcony and Deck Inspections Under SB 721: A Guide for Owners of 3+ Units
SB 721 balcony and deck inspections in California: which 3+ unit buildings are covered, who may inspect, the six-year cycle, reports and repair deadlines.
Systems, contractors and money
Roof, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC in Older San Diego Rentals
Roof, plumbing, sewer lateral, electrical and HVAC in older San Diego County rentals: habitability duties, permits and 2025 Energy Code rules by zone.
Hiring Contractors for Rental Repairs in California: Licenses, Contracts and Permits
When California requires a licensed contractor for rental repairs, how to check a CSLB license, what a home improvement contract must say, and permits.
How to Budget for Rental Maintenance Without Rules of Thumb
Build a rental maintenance budget from your own property: system ages, inspection reports, past bills, HOA reserve disclosures and insurance gaps.
Running maintenance
Preventive Maintenance Checks and California Entry Rules
Which preventive maintenance checks California law lets a landlord enter for, how much notice to give, and why routine inspections need tenant agreement.
Rental Maintenance for Owners Who Live Far Away
How to run maintenance on a San Diego County rental from far away: repair authority in writing, vendor records, broker trust account rules, insurance, keys.
These guides are general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with a California attorney, your local building or fire department, or a licensed professional.
