POLICY REGARDING LIVING OFF INSTALLATION:
It is recommended
that military personnel arriving report to the housing office before they rent
or purchase off base housing. Navy policy states that E1 - E4
personnel are required to reside in Bachelor Housing when space is
available. Check with your command regarding availability and
policy. Personnel E5 and below who wish to reside off base are
required to submit a request chit requesting Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
via the chain of command. In addition, all personnel need to sign a
page 13 stating that they are no longer residing in Bachelor
Housing. See the section titled Housing - Local Community - Housing
Allowance for current BAH rates.
SERVICES OFFERED BY THE SAN
DIEGO HOUSING WELCOME CENTER INCLUDE:
Housing Information Package
PCS
Check-in for housing
Central automated
listings of rental and sales properties
Showing service for those with
transportation problems (by appointment)
Hardship assistance counseling for
special needs
Application for
Government quarters and waiting list
Interface with base and community support agencies
General community information on
utilities, schools, vehicle registration, crime, and more
Rental Assistance Program Information
Home buying counseling and workshops
referral
Home selling and property
management counseling and workshops referral
Outbound housing information for
transfers to new areas
RENTAL OVERVIEW
There are over 170,000
apartments in San Diego and you'll find a variety of styles from studios, lofts
and multiple bedrooms. Floor plans and architectural styles vary
greatly - ranging from cozy garage conversions in the beach are, garden
apartment communities in the suburbs, or luxury mid- and high-rises in
downtown. Studio apartments and three-bedroom units are not as
numerous as one- and two-bedroom apartments. Most new apartment
development that is taking place is in the area of luxury rentals. An
increasing number of three-bedroom apartments are being developed in response to
the need of growing families - as well as couples who desire extra space for
home offices and guest rooms.
The lowest vacancy rates and highest rents
are found in the beach areas - from Coronado to Carlsbad - as well as downtown
San Diego, which is currently undergoing major redevelopment. Bear in
mind that units less than six years old have the highest vacancy rate because
they are usually more expensive.
DEPOSITS AND FEES
Many
realtors/landlords require an application fee to process your
application. This fee offsets their expense for verifying your credit
references, employment history, etc. If the application fee is $20.00
or less it does not have to be refunded if you do not take the
rental. If the application fee exceeds $20.00 and you do not rent the
unit, you may be entitled to a refund of any money in excess of
$20.00. Refunds may take up to twenty days.
SECURITY
DEPOSIT
The largest expense facing most tenants when moving to a new
apartment is the security deposit. A security deposit is any payment,
fee, deposit or charge to be used by the landlord only for (1) repairing damages
caused by the tenant (exclusive of normal wear and tear); (2) compensation for
unpaid rent; and (3) cleaning the premises at the end of tenancy, if not
satisfactorily cleaned by the tenant. Security deposits include
cleaning, key, pet, parking and rent for the last month. All deposits, except
holding deposits, are considered security deposits and are refundable.
A
landlord cannot demand a security deposit of more than an amount equal to two
months rent for an unfurnished apartment, or three months rent if the unit is
furnished. The rent for the first month is additional, but rent for
the last month is considered part of the total. In a month to month
rental agreement, a clause which states that part or all of the security deposit
will be forfeited if you move out before a specified period of time, (e.g. six
months) is in violation of Section 1950.5 of the California Civil
Code.
PET DEPOSITS
Many San Diego landlords prohibit pets; others will
allow them with an additional deposit or non-refundable fee. The
amount may vary according to the type, size, and number of
pets. There may also be an additional monthly charge for allowing
your pets.
PROPERTY LEASES
Section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act (SCRA) of 2003 has, in effect, eliminated the necessity to have
"military clauses" included in property leases. A lease of property
occupied by a servicemember, such as an apartment or rental house, may be
terminated in two circumstances: (1) if the lease was signed by or on behalf of
a person who subsequently enters military service during the term of the lease;
or (2) if the lease is entered into by the servicemember and/or a
servicemember's dependents during military service and the servicemember
receives orders for a permanent change of duty station or to deploy for more
than 90 days.
To terminate the lease, thirty (30) days
written notice of the termination must be given to the lessor with a copy of the
servicemember's military orders. The notice should be either
hand-delivered or sent by certified mail, and the servicemember should keep a
copy of the notice for his/her records. In addition, the servicemember will be
required to pay the rent for the thirty (30) days, regardless of whether he/she
has already left the premises.