Rental Property Maintenance FAQs

These are some of the most frequently asked questions by our San Diego tenants. If you need help and your question isn’t answered here, please contact us, and we’d be glad to help you.

How do I make a maintenance request?

Submit all maintenance requests in writing. Visit our website to make a repair request online, under maintenance request.

What if there’s an emergency?

Always call 9-1-1 if there’s a life threatening emergency. Otherwise, call our office to access our 24-hour emergency hotline. Anything that can cause harm or serious property damage will be considered emergencies and dealt with immediately.

What maintenance items are tenants responsible for?

Tenants are expected to keep the property in good condition and clean. You will need to maintain the lawn and take care of non-technical maintenance items such as changing light bulbs and filters.

Are there smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?

California law requires us to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before a tenant moves in. We test these detectors to make sure they are in working order.

Can tenants change the locks?

We change the locks before tenants move into a property. However, if a tenant wants to change the locks during a course of their tenancy, they must first get written approval from our office. They must use a certified locksmith and provide a new key to our office within 24 hours.

Can tenants paint or perform maintenance work on their own?

If a resident wants to do any work to the property, including painting or changing the floors or fixtures, the tenant must make the request in writing and wait for approval.

How long does maintenance take?

It depends on the repair that’s needed and the availability of our best vendors. Normally, it will not take more than three business days to complete a repair.

What are the costs that a tenant is responsible for paying?

Tenants are responsible for the costs of light bulbs, filters, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries, lost and broken keys and remotes, and any damage that’s a result of tenant actions or negligence, or the actions of tenant guests.

Do tenants pay for pest control?

Tenants should take care of pest control first. If they cannot control the problem, they can submit a maintenance request.

How often must the furnace filters be changed?

Most filters need to be changed every 30 days, or every three months. The filter’s instructions will say how often they should be changed.

Who handles the landscaping?

Apartments and condos will have landscaping taken care of by the building or the HOA. In a single family home, it’s the tenant’s responsibility unless the owner has hired a landscaping service.

What if I lock my keys in the house?

Contact our emergency line to get back into your house. You’ll need to pay an $80 Lockout Fee.

What if I lose my keys?

Come to our office and we’ll make you a new key for $10. If you’d like to change the locks at the property, you can pay for a key change, which is $80.