How Building Scores Work
We analyze 311 complaints, permits, and building data to calculate a quality score for every rental property in San Diego. Here's how it works.
The Basics
Every San Diego building receives a 0-100 score based on multiple factors. Higher scores mean fewer problems and better living conditions. We analyze:
- ✓330,000+ rental properties from the Rental Unit Tax Registry
- ✓82,000+ 311 requests from the Get It Done system
- ✓382,000+ permits for construction and renovations
- ✓7,500+ code enforcement requests for violations
San Diego Context
Why San Diego Scores Higher
San Diego buildings average around 91.5 — higher than most cities. This reflects:
- ☀️Excellent climate: No heat complaints (unlike NYC's frozen apartments)
- 🏠Well-maintained city: Generally higher property standards
- 📊Limited violation data: Only 311 code enforcement available (no dedicated inspection database)
This doesn't mean every building is perfect — use scores to compare buildings within San Diego.
Score Components
The overall score is a weighted average of these component scores:
Safety Score
30%Based on code enforcement requests, safety-related 311 complaints, and hazard reports
Maintenance Score
25%Based on permit activity, graffiti reports, illegal dumping complaints, and general upkeep
Pest Score
20%Based on pest-related 311 complaints (roaches, rats, other infestations)
Climate Adjusted
10%San Diego's mild climate means heat complaints are rare — this category has minimal impact
Responsiveness
15%Based on how quickly issues are resolved in the Get It Done 311 system
Letter Grades
What Complaints We Track
| Category | Examples | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Code Enforcement | Building code violations, unpermitted construction | High |
| Graffiti | Vandalism, property damage | Moderate |
| Illegal Dumping | Trash, debris, abandoned items | Moderate |
| Pests | Roaches, rats, other infestations | Moderate |
| Noise | Loud neighbors, construction noise | Low |
| Property Maintenance | Overgrown vegetation, deteriorating structures | Moderate |
Rent Control in San Diego
California AB 1482 May Apply
San Diego has no citywide rent control, but California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may apply to buildings built before 2005:
- • Annual rent increase cap: 5% + local CPI (max 10%)
- • Just cause eviction protections after 12 months
- • Exemptions for single-family homes (with restrictions)
Always verify rent control status with your landlord or a tenant rights organization.
Data Sources
All data comes from official San Diego city sources:
- 📊Rental Unit Tax Accounts - Base building data with APN identifiers
- 📞Get It Done 311 - Service requests and code enforcement complaints
- 🏗️Development Permits - Active and closed permit records
Data is sourced from the San Diego Open Data Portal and updated regularly.
Data Limitations
San Diego's open data has some gaps compared to cities like NYC:
- 📁No dedicated code enforcement dataset - The standalone code enforcement data hasn't been updated since 2018. We use 311 "Get It Done" requests as a proxy.
- 🏢No assessor parcel details - Year built, unit counts, and owner info aren't available from city sources.
- 📜Limited complaint history - Only open 311 requests are publicly accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are San Diego scores so high?
San Diego's mild climate eliminates heat complaints, and limited violation data means fewer issues are captured. The city is also generally well-maintained. Use scores to compare buildings relative to each other within San Diego.
Why does my building have a low score?
Low scores typically indicate 311 complaints or code enforcement issues. Check the building's detail page to see specific complaints. Common factors include pest problems, illegal dumping, or property maintenance issues.
Can a building improve its score?
Yes! When complaints are resolved and issues decrease, scores improve over time. Buildings with proactive management that address issues quickly tend to maintain better scores.
What neighborhoods are covered?
We cover 60+ San Diego neighborhoods including La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest, North Park, Downtown, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, and all major areas from the coast to inland.