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Living in a beautiful coastal city like San Diego has its perks: year-round sunshine, ocean breezes, and palm-lined streets. But if you're a tenant—or a landlord—those same perks come with some unique maintenance responsibilities. Coastal living means dealing with salty air, moisture, and sun exposure, all of which can take a toll on a rental property. So the question becomes: who handles what?
This guide is for San Diego tenants who want clarity on property maintenance responsibilities. We'll break down what's typically covered by landlords, what falls under tenant responsibilities, and how the coastal environment adds complexity to both.
Understanding Standard Maintenance Responsibilities
Before diving into coastal-specific challenges, let’s review the general responsibilities defined in most California lease agreements and landlord-tenant laws.
Landlord Responsibilities
By law, landlords must ensure that a rental unit is habitable and safe. In California, this includes:
- Ensuring the roof doesn’t leak
- Maintaining working plumbing, electrical, and heating systems
- Providing weather protection for windows and doors
- Keeping the foundation and exterior in good repair
- Addressing mold, pest infestations, and any other habitability issues
Essentially, if it affects the health or safety of the tenant, it’s usually the landlord’s responsibility.
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants are typically expected to:
- Keep the property clean and sanitary
- Dispose of garbage properly
- Use appliances and fixtures correctly and safely
- Avoid causing damage due to negligence or misuse
- Notify the landlord promptly of issues or needed repairs
In furnished rentals or those with specific amenities (like private patios), tenants might also be responsible for light upkeep such as sweeping or watering plants.
How the Coastal Climate Changes Things
San Diego’s coastal weather isn’t harsh, but it is unique. The mix of salty air, humidity, and UV exposure adds wear and tear to buildings in subtle but persistent ways. This affects who is responsible for certain types of upkeep.
1. Salt Air and Corrosion
Landlord responsibility: The salt in coastal air accelerates rust and corrosion, especially on metal fixtures like doorknobs, railings, and outdoor lighting. Because these are part of the structural and functional elements of a home, landlords are usually responsible for repair or replacement.
Tenant tip: Tenants can reduce corrosion by rinsing exposed metal with water every few weeks. While not mandatory, it's a helpful preventive measure.
2. Exterior Mold and Mildew
Landlord responsibility: Mold on exterior siding, decks, or fences is common in areas with humidity. Since this affects the property’s structure and curb appeal, it typically falls on the landlord to clean and treat it.
Tenant role: Tenants should alert the landlord to visible mold growth. If the rental includes a private patio or balcony, the lease might state that tenants need to keep it clean—so small-scale mildew removal might be a shared task.
3. Window Maintenance
Landlord responsibility: Windows facing the ocean tend to accumulate salt and grime faster. Landlords are responsible for keeping windows in working order, especially if leaks or drafts are present.
Shared responsibility: Routine cleaning might fall to the tenant, especially for interior glass and reachable exterior windows. However, if salt buildup affects function, the landlord should step in.
4. Landscaping with Native Plants
Landlord responsibility: Maintaining drought-resistant and salt-tolerant landscaping is often handled by the landlord or a hired service. These plants help manage coastal erosion and reduce water usage.
Tenant role: In single-family homes or duplexes, tenants may be asked to water plants or keep weeds down. Leases should specify this.
Gray Areas That Need Clarifying
Not every maintenance issue is black and white. Some situations depend on lease agreements, type of rental, or even how the problem started. Here are a few examples:
Pest Control
- Landlord covers: Initial pest prevention and infestations due to structural issues (cracks, leaks, etc.)
- Tenant covers: Infestations caused by food left out, unclean spaces, or failure to report early signs
Minor Repairs
- Tenant might handle: Replacing smoke detector batteries, light bulbs, or air filters
- Landlord should handle: Electrical issues, appliance breakdowns, or anything that involves tools or safety risks
Patio Furniture and Outdoor Fixtures
- If the landlord provides outdoor furniture or grills, they’re generally responsible for maintenance
- If tenants bring their own items, they should maintain and protect them from salt and sun damage
What the Lease Should Clearly State
For coastal rentals in San Diego, it’s wise for both parties to insist on a detailed lease agreement. It should include:
- Who maintains landscaping, patios, and gutters
- How often exterior maintenance (e.g. pressure washing) occurs
- Expectations around window and balcony cleaning
- Guidelines for reporting repairs quickly
The more specific the lease, the fewer disputes later.
Communication Is Everything
Whether you’re a tenant noticing rusted fixtures or a landlord worried about mold, early communication is key. Tenants should:
- Use written communication for all maintenance requests
- Take photos of issues when reporting them
- Review their lease before taking action themselves
Landlords should:
- Acknowledge requests promptly
- Schedule repairs in a timely manner
- Keep tenants updated on timelines
At the end of the day, both parties benefit when small problems don’t become big ones.
The RentalRiff Approach
If you're unsure whether something is your responsibility as a tenant, it helps to work with property management companies that prioritize clarity and communication. Platforms like RentalRiff often act as a bridge between landlords and tenants, ensuring that maintenance workflows are smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
Balance and Clarity Win
Living near the coast is a privilege, but it comes with unique maintenance demands. For tenants, understanding the boundaries of your responsibilities can help you enjoy your rental without surprises. For landlords, setting clear expectations and staying ahead of coastal wear-and-tear keeps your property in top condition.
The best tenant-landlord relationships in San Diego thrive on clarity, responsiveness, and a mutual goal: keeping the property in excellent shape—so everyone wins.