A beautiful apartment can hide serious problems. Before you sign a lease, take time to research the building and landlord. Here's exactly what to check in San Diego.
Quick Research Checklist
Step 1: Check Building Violations
San Diego Code Enforcement tracks violations for habitability, safety, and building code issues. High violation counts or repeated issues are major red flags.
What to Look For
- Total violations: More than 5-10 suggests neglect
- Open violations: Unresolved issues are serious
- Pest violations: Often indicate building-wide problems
- Safety violations: Fire safety, structural issues
- Recurring issues: Same problems year after year
Use StreetSmart for Free
Search any San Diego address to see violations, building scores, landlord info, and neighborhood rankings.
Search BuildingsStep 2: Research the Landlord
A landlord with a history of problems at other properties will likely give you problems too.
How to Find Landlord Info
- Ask for the landlord/management company name
- Search their name + "San Diego" + "complaints" or "reviews"
- Check San Diego County Assessor for ownership
- Search court records for eviction cases
- Look up Better Business Bureau ratings
Step 3: Check 311 Complaints
San Diego's "Get It Done" 311 system tracks complaints about noise, maintenance, and neighborhood issues. High complaint counts can indicate problem buildings or areas.
Step 4: Visit at Different Times
A building can feel very different at night vs. day, or weekday vs. weekend. Visit multiple times to get a complete picture:
- Evening: Check noise levels, parking availability
- Weekend: See the neighborhood's vibe
- Morning: Check for traffic, parking
Step 5: Talk to Current Tenants
If possible, chat with people who already live there. Ask about:
- How responsive is the landlord/management?
- Any pest problems?
- Noise issues?
- How long do repairs take?
- Any issues with neighbors?
- What's the parking situation really like?
Red Flags to Watch For
- 🚩 Landlord refuses to show violation history
- 🚩 Many recent eviction filings
- 🚩 Numerous negative reviews online
- 🚩 Building looks poorly maintained
- 🚩 Current tenants warn you away
- 🚩 Landlord pressures you to sign quickly
- 🚩 Won't let you visit at different times