San Diego renters are already shelling out big money to keep a roof over their heads, and now many say they are getting nickel-and-dimed with surprise extras. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said today that tenants are reporting a wave of hidden "junk" fees, from $40 to $75 application charges to monthly trash valet and pest control add-ons, plus so-called convenience fees for paying rent online. Some renters told him landlords demanded nonrefundable holding deposits and then kept the money when deals fell through, while others said landlords added monthly pet fees to security deposits. Elo-Rivera said he plans to bring a proposal to the City Council on May 19 that would cap those charges, require clearer pricing and add protections against landlord retaliation.
What Elo-Rivera Posted
Elo-Rivera’s social media post includes photos and a short survey of complaints, and he urged renters to share their stories through the city’s online form. According to Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera's Facebook post, roughly nine in ten renters who responded reported being hit with excessive charges, and many applicants said they paid between $40 and $75 just to apply for a unit.
State Law And Screening Fees
California already places limits on some of these practices. The text on California Legislative Information for Civil Code §1950.6 restricts application screening fees to a landlord’s actual out-of-pocket costs, requires itemized receipts and sets rules for when those fees may and may not be collected. The statute was amended, with the amendments taking effect on January 1.
What Comes Next
Elo-Rivera said he plans to bring draft ordinance language to the council on May 19 and encouraged renters to keep documenting their experiences through the city form so staff can lean on real-world accounts while writing the proposal. The council regularly holds hearings in City Hall’s Council Chambers, and the City of San Diego lists May 19 as a public-hearing date. The city’s engagement page notes that hearings take place at 202 C Street in downtown San Diego.
Why This Matters Locally
In tight housing markets like San Diego, hidden add-on fees have become a familiar headache, quietly adding hundreds of dollars to the cost of securing and keeping a place to live. Local reporting has highlighted how far that strain can reach, including a recent Hoodline story about how the city slams the door on Section 8 as rent aid funding runs dry, making affordable units even harder to land for residents already stretching to cover basic rent.
Legal Implications
Because California Legislative Information already spells out how screening fees may be charged, any local caps or disclosure rules must be carefully crafted to avoid clashing with state law. Council staff and the city attorney are likely to review any draft closely before it moves forward. For now, Elo-Rivera’s call for stories is essentially a fact-finding mission, with renter testimony expected to shape the final ordinance and the council’s next steps.
