Accommodation in San Diego

New arrivals on the hunt for accommodation in San Diego will find that the city offers a huge variety of housing and a diversity of neighbourhoods. Prospective tenants will have plenty of options, like affordable apartments, single-family homes in the suburbs and luxury oceanfront estates.

Many of those who move to the city rent accommodation first while getting to know their environment and the market before making a commitment to buy. If they don’t intend on staying for the long-term, expats in San Diego generally prefer to rent.

Types of accommodation in San Diego

Having formed through waves of changing architectural trends, San Diego is a diverse city with a variety of accommodation. Choices range from apartments and high-rise condominiums in pedestrian-friendly urban districts to Spanish-styled homes and stately mansions in picturesque neighbourhoods.

Finding accommodation in San Diego

The internet is a valuable resource for expats on the hunt for a new home, providing them with access to a wide variety of rental websites and online classifieds. Property sections in print media are another good resource. Seeing a property in person is the best way for house hunters to make a considered decision and opportunities can arise from exploring and responding to a neighbourhood's for sale and rental signs.

A real-estate agent is also a good choice, as these specialists have intimate knowledge of the various neighbourhoods in the city and may have access to property listings before they are advertised publicly.

Renting accommodation in San Diego

Properties can get snapped up quickly in San Diego, so expats should be ready to act quickly if they find a place they like.

Submitting an application

Once a prospective tenant has found a property they like, they submit a lease application. They will need to show proof of income and may be subject to a credit check.

Deposits

Tenants will need to put down a security deposit, usually the equivalent of one or two months' rent. In addition, they will be expected to pay for their first month upfront.

Leases

Lease length can vary but most leases are signed on a six-month or one-year basis.

Utilities

Utilities such as water, electricity and gas may or may not be included as part of the rental price – expats should inquire about this before signing the lease.