Book a Free Consultation

(858) 449-7294

  • Trash Collection Fees Are Coming to San Diego Rentals: What Property Owners Need to Know

    Trash Collection Fees Are Coming to San Diego Rentals: What Property Owners Need to Know

    Trash Collection Fees Are Coming to San Diego Rentals: What Property Owners Need to Know

    Starting July 1, 2025, San Diego rental property owners will face a new monthly expense—trash collection fees. This change marks a significant shift in how waste services are handled for rental units in the city, and it’s essential for landlords to prepare now.

    At Uplift Property Management, we’re committed to helping property owners stay compliant with local regulations while protecting their bottom line. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming trash fee changes and how to stay ahead.

    What’s Changing?

    For years, the City of San Diego provided free trash service to the majority of residential properties. That’s changing.

    Under phased rollout, the city will begin charging a monthly trash collection fee, specifically on multifamily residences. Landlords will begin receiving bills starting mid-2025, and the entire fee system will be up and running by 2026.

    Who Will Be Affected?

    This new policy applies to many property types within the City of San Diego. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:

    • Multifamily rentals (2+ units): These properties will be among the first to receive trash bills starting in 2025.
    • Single-family homes: Most are still covered by the city’s free service for now—but that could change.
    • ADUs, duplexes, and condos: Depending on the service setup, some of these may also fall under the new fee system.

    If your property currently receives city collection services, it’s time to find out if this change affects you.

    How Much Will It Cost?

    According to city projections, here’s what landlords can expect:

    • Initial charge (mid-2025): Around $13 per unit, per month.
    • Full implementation (by 2026): Around $29 per unit, per month.

    That translates to over $300 annually per rental unit—an amount that can significantly impact operating costs if not accounted for in your budgeting.

    Can Landlords Pass the Fee to Tenants?

    Yes, but only if your lease is structured correctly.

    Since these fees will be billed directly to owners, you’ll need specific language in your lease that allows for the pass-through of trash or municipal service charges. Without this clause, landlords could be left absorbing the cost.

    What You Should Do Now:

    • Review your current lease agreements.
    • Add or revise a utility pass-through clause.
    • Notify tenants in compliance with California landlord-tenant law.

    Uplift can help you make the necessary updates to your lease so you’re protected when the fees kick in.

    Why Early Preparation Matters

    Even relatively small fees can add up fast—especially for landlords managing multiple units. Waiting until the last minute to adjust your leases or notify tenants could mean covering costs out of pocket or violating local housing rules.

    As with any local regulation, proactive planning is your best defense.

    Final Thoughts from Uplift

    This change is a big one for San Diego landlords. While the added fee may seem modest, it represents another step toward shifting municipal service costs to property owners. By updating your lease agreements now and educating your tenants, you’ll be positioned to handle the transition smoothly.

    At Uplift Property Management, we stay on top of evolving regulations so you don’t have to. From lease updates to full-service management, we’re here to support you and keep your investments on track.

    Need help reviewing or updating your lease?
    Contact Uplift Property Management today and let’s make sure you’re ready for what’s ahead.

    Claudina

    , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • AB1033: California’s New Law That Could Let You Sell Your ADU Separately

    AB1033: California’s New Law That Could Let You Sell Your ADU Separately

    AB1033: California’s New Law That Could Let You Sell Your ADU Separately

    What San Diego property owners need to know about this game-changing legislation.

    If you own a home in San Diego and have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — or are thinking about building one — a new state law may open up an entirely new opportunity for you: selling your ADU separately from your main home.

    Thanks to Assembly Bill 1033 (AB1033), which was signed into law in 2023, California cities now have the option to allow homeowners to convert ADUs into separately sellable condominiums.

    But there’s a catch — and plenty of local details to consider. Let’s break it down.

    What Does AB1033 Do?

    AB1033 amends state law to let cities opt in to a policy that allows ADUs to be sold separately — not just rented.

    In technical terms, the law permits a local agency to authorize the recordation of a separate lot or parcel for an ADU or junior ADU (JADU) through a condominium plan under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. This is similar to how condos are legally structured.

    In short: if your city agrees to it, you could split the legal ownership of your property and sell the ADU independently — like a condo.

    How Could This Work in San Diego?

    The key point is that AB1033 is not automatic. San Diego (and every other city in California) must choose to adopt the law.

    If San Diego opts in — and city leaders are already exploring housing solutions like this — homeowners could begin selling ADUs as individual units, which could:

    • Provide affordable homeownership opportunities for buyers priced out of traditional homes
    • Offer new paths to build equity for homeowners and developers
    • Help diversify housing stock without building high-rise developments

    However, there are still several requirements. For example:

    • The property must be split under a condo map
    • Homeowners must provide separate utility connections for each unit
    • Tenants must be notified before any sale, and cities may impose affordability requirements

    Why This Matters for Property Owners

    If San Diego adopts AB1033, homeowners could:

    • Unlock new real estate value by legally separating and selling ADUs
    • Downsize without moving far, by living in one unit and selling the other
    • Access capital from a sale without selling the entire property

    And for real estate investors and builders, this could mean new ways to create and sell inventory in a market where housing supply is tight.

    What Should You Do Now?

    AB1033 creates new possibilities — but also raises important legal, financial, and logistical questions.

    At Uplift Property Management, we help property owners like you:

    • Stay informed about San Diego’s local adoption of AB1033
    • Navigate condo conversion requirements and local building codes
    • Manage or market your ADU for rent or future sale
    • Evaluate the best strategy for your property long term

    Conclusion

    AB1033 is a powerful tool in California’s effort to expand housing — but only for those ready to act. If San Diego moves forward with adoption, it could change the game for ADU owners.

    Want to understand how AB1033 could impact your property?

    Contact Uplift Property Management today and let’s talk about how we can help you make the most of your investment — whether you’re renting, selling, or still planning.

    Claudina

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • San Diego Passes New Rules for ADUs: What Property Owners Need to Know

    San Diego Passes New Rules for ADUs: What Property Owners Need to Know

    San Diego Passes New Rules for ADUs: What Property Owners Need to Know

    In a significant move that could reshape housing development in the city, the San Diego City Council has passed sweeping amendments to how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are regulated. With a narrow 5–4 vote, the council approved changes designed to balance the city’s housing needs with the goal of preserving neighborhood character.

    If you’re a homeowner, real estate investor, or landlord in the city of San Diego, these updates could directly affect how and where you build—and manage—ADUs. At Uplift Property Management, we’re here to break down what the new rules mean and how they might impact your property plans.

    What’s Changing in San Diego’s ADU Policy?

    The new amendments to San Diego’s municipal code come at a time when ADUs are increasingly seen as a solution to the region’s housing shortage. However, concerns about overdevelopment in residential areas have prompted the city to add more structure to its existing ADU incentives.

    These are the key changes property owners should know about:

    1. Limits on Number of Units per Lot

    Previously, property owners could build multiple ADUs on one lot under various incentive programs. Now, the maximum number of ADUs will depend on lot size:

    • Small lots will be limited to a total of four units
    • Large lots might contain up to six units

    This is an important shift that is meant to prevent high-density development from turning single-family neighborhoods into congested neighborhoods.

    2. Infrastructure and Development Fees

    Infrastructure fees shall be paid by developers when building ADUs. The fees are used in financing public facilities like sewer, water, and road infrastructure required to support denser housing.

    3. More Restrictive Parking Requirements

    If your ADU is not located near public transit, you’ll now need to provide off-street parking. This rule addresses concerns about increased congestion and limited street parking in residential areas.

    4. New Size and Height Restrictions

    • ADUs can be no more than two stories tall
    • The maximum size is capped at 1,200 square feet

    These restrictions are meant to preserve neighborhood scale and aesthetics, especially in communities where lot sizes are smaller or view corridors are a concern.

    5. Enhanced Fire Safety Requirements

    If your property is in a fire hazard severity zone, you’ll need to meet stricter safety regulations for ADU construction. This includes fire-resistant materials, increased setbacks, and possibly additional clearance or access requirements.

    What’s Not Changing?

    Importantly, the city did not restrict the ability to rent or sell ADUs separately from the main home. This leaves a door open for investors and homeowners interested in maximizing the value and income potential of their properties.

    When Will These Rules Take Effect?

    Another vote from the city council is expected within the coming months. If the amendments pass again, the new ADU regulations could take effect as soon as August 2025.

    Uplift’s Take: What It Means to You

    At Uplift Property Management, we experience that being one step ahead of local policy changes is the secret to shrewd, compliant, and lucrative real estate investment. These fresh ADU regulations may affect your planning if you’re:

    • Considering building an ADU in 2025 or later
    • Having a two-unit property on one lot
    • Desiring to boost rental income with a second unit

    Our team is still closely connected to local legislation and building code updates so we can help you modulate your plan without missing a beat. Whether you’re weighing the viability of your property, working through permits, or figuring out how these regulations influence your investment in the long term, we can help.

    Need Help Making Sense of the New ADU Rules?

    If you’re a homeowner or investor wondering what these changes mean for your property, contact Uplift today. We’ll review your situation and help you plan next steps—from feasibility to future tenant placement. Call us or visit upliftpm.com to schedule a consultation. Let’s turn policy changes into property opportunities—together.

    Claudina

    , ,
    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • The Uplift Move-In Standard: How We Get Your Property Rent-Ready

    The Uplift Move-In Standard: How We Get Your Property Rent-Ready

    Getting a rental property ready for new tenants is more than just a quick clean and handing over the keys. Here at Uplift, we follow a comprehensive process known as The Uplift Move-In Standard—a process that optimizes tenant satisfaction, minimizes turnover, and protects your investment. In this video, we’re going behind the scenes with how we get each property ready for a seamless, professional move-in.

    Learn about or Move-In Process!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Property Management videos! Uplift Property Management

    Transcript

    Transcript Scroll Box

    Welcome back inside Uplift Property Management Today we’re going to go over the Uplift Move-in standard and what that means.

    So before you rent your property out for the first time it’s important to understand what we mean when we talk about rent ready. A rent ready property is clean functional and compliant appealing to quality tenants and minimizing vacancy periods But how do we get to this point we at Uplift Property Management have developed what we call our move in standard and that involves a couple different things.

    So there’s really four parts of this move in standard. First we want to look at the property condition Then we also want to look at safety and habitability We also want to consider industry norms and along with that market expectations So in order to do this we have a couple different tools that we use internally that we’d be more than willing to share with you Primarily the first one is what we call our make ready checklist We start by doing a detailed inspection of the property either after you the owner have moved out or after your previous tenants have moved out And this allows us to understand what is going to need to happen in order to get it to that movein standard Again the next thing we’ll do is schedule any necessary repairs and maintenance that needs to happen Then we’ll make sure that we do a professional cleaning and of course we’ll do a final inspection to make sure that we have not only met that standard for us internally but also for any tenants that might be interested in renting your property.

    Now one of the tools that we use in order to meet our standard of property condition and also safety and habitability requirements is something we’ve developed called our make ready checklist In this checklist we go over appliances and fixtures to make sure that they’re working properly We look at the bathroom not only the cleanliness but any repairs or preventative measures that might need to be done in order to make sure that it runs smoothly for your tenants We’re also going to look at the living areas and the bedrooms And then of course make sure that they have any of the necessary smoke detectors or anything else in there that would be a legal requirement right we’re looking at GFCI outlets We’re looking at all these things that your property needs in order to meet a habitability standard and in order to minimize any sort of safety risk for your tenants living at this property And this all exists in our make ready checklist that we use a trusted vendor a handyman company to accomplish at your rental property We’d be more than willing to share that checklist with you as well.

    So you just reach out to us if you’d like a copy The additional recommendations that we make here that bring it not only from habitable and safe but to our true uplift standard have to do with those industry norms and the market expectations That includes things like window coverings be it blinds or curtains for all public facing windows These are things that tenants want inside a rental property This also can include a manicured lawn right making sure that it’s free of brush or debris These are all going to impact the marketability of your rental property Is it a habitability standard not necessarily but it will increase the attention that your property can get from tenants And we’ve found that it allows your property to rent faster and at a higher price So we’ve incorporated it into our uplift standard Another thing something as simple as neutral paint colors We understand that your daughter loved her hot pink bedroom It was super fun for her to live in But now that this is a rental property we want to make sure that we are looking at industry norms And what is the market expecting the market is expecting a neutral color palette for all of the paint inside this unit.

    Now what are the benefits of meeting this uplift standard or being rent ready of course you’re going to attract highquality tenants You’re going to have faster leasing times You’re going to have reduced maintenance issues during the teny that you have And then of course compliance with any housing regulations You know this is the ounce of pre prevention sort of thing but we’re wanting to make sure that not only can we get your property rented quickly but safely to highquality tenants And this is why we at Uplift have developed the Uplift movein standard.

    Reach out if you have any other questions We’d love to go over this in detail with you specifically about your property and share the checklist and the standard that we’ve developed to make sure that we are uplifting your property.

    Conclusion: Why the Uplift Move-In Standard Matters

    Effective property management starts with an excellent first impression. Uplift’s Move-In Standard ensures every rental property we manage is clean, operational, and rent-ready for tenants. By applying a repeatable, high-quality process for making Southern California homes rent-ready, we help property owners reduce vacancy time, drive tenant retention, and maintain long-term value.

    Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, having a property management firm that takes pride in professional move-in quality for rental housing can be the difference-maker. At Uplift, we’re dedicated to raising the bar—one move-in at a time.

    Claudina

    , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Rent Control in Temecula? Know the Rules Before You Rent or Invest!

    Rent Control in Temecula? Know the Rules Before You Rent or Invest!

    Does Rent Control Apply in Temecula, CA? Here’s What You Need to Know

    As Temecula continues to grow in popularity, many landlords and tenants are asking the same question: Does rent control apply here? The answer is yes—but with important conditions. In this video, Uplift Property Management unpacks how California’s statewide rent control laws under AB 1482 affect the Temecula rental market, and what that means for property owners, real estate investors, and renters in Southern California.

    Whether you’re wondering about how rent control works in Temecula, which properties are exempt from AB 1482, or how much landlords can legally raise rent in Riverside County, this guide gives you the clarity you need to stay informed and compliant.

    Watch the video here!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Property Management videos! Uplift Property Management

    Transcript

    Transcript Scroll Box

    Welcome back inside Uplift Property Management I’m Tommy Perfect CEO and managing broker here at Uplift and today I want to talk to you guys about rent control in Temecula.

    So really the big question is is there rent control specifically for Temecula? I know we have California stuff but is there something in Temecula that is going to affect me and my rental properties quick answer is no there is no specific city or county regulations regarding rent control however we still are in California and we do need to follow the whole state laws and regulations regarding rent control that all falls under.

    California AB1482 this is often referred to as the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 there have been a lot of different modifications to the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 but mainly this is going to talk about a specific group of properties namely multifamily properties and it goes into specific actions on those multi family properties regarding how much you can increase your rent and also what kind of reasons you can give notice to these tenants the main first step of understanding the tenant protection act of 2019 is understanding what properties this actually applies to this law was actually targeted toward multifamily properties and when I talk about multifamily properties this is 2 units or more on a property so when I get into a a forplex an 8plex a 60-unit apartment building yes I’m going to have rent control however there are a lot of exceptions to that rule the other type is a little bit on property ownership and when you talk about corporations REITs and LLC’s that don’t have only persons natural persons as ownerships uh those are also going to be properties that are included the exemptions we talk about are single family homes and condos if you just have that single family home that condo those are not rent controlled units anymore they are there’s no legislation regarding what you can do for your rent increases or those just cause evictions you also have owner occupied duplexes.

    So I know I talked about it being applied toward multif family and you would think hey a duplex is multi family but one exemption is if the owner actually resides in one of those units that duplex or the other one rented out unit is not included within the coverages of AB1482 there are also some other small exclusions for newly built units that received their certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years and also some very special circumstances regarding affordable housing um obviously those ones already have their own slew of regulations that they have to work through with their local housing authority so those ones are not covered under this AB1482 protection now that we know what properties rent control applies to.

    Let’s talk about what those rules look like for those properties that are included in the coverages of AB1482 in California first off rent control right the max amount of rent you can increase that is 5% plus the local CPI for housing they tell us to go based off the April number but hey they don’t act the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t actually provide an April number so usually we go based off the March number and then that gets applied that following August for that following entire calendar year so for example we’ll take the March of 2024 number it gets applied for all rent increases going into effect August 2024 all the way through July of 2025 then we’ll see that March of 2025 number and apply that for August of 2025 currently right now in Tmacula Riverside San Bernardino Ontario that number for CPI was 3.3 so 5% plus 3.3% gives us a max increase of 8.3% for this calendar year all the way up until August 2025 where we’ll have that new number uh released and made known for us what happens if CPI is more than 5% 5 + 5 gives us a max increase of 10 so if it if the CPI is actually 12% and we’ve seen different CPIs go much higher than the 5% increase in certain counties in California but you’re capped at a maximum of a 10% rent increase if CPI um plus 5% ex exceeds that 10% increase these rent increases really only apply to a tenant during their lease so if their lease comes up at the end of a year and you’re going to increase their rent that’s where this cap is applied to right so or if they’re month-to-month tenants and after whatever period of time that you have them you want to give them rent increase it’s capped at this again there’s a couple other small rules one you’re only allowed to increase the rent twice per year and between the two of them it can’t be more than 10% off of that first initial basis amount so you can’t do 5% now and then 5% again in 6 months on top of it cuz then you would actually be a little bit more than 10% right you have to do 5% of the first amount and then if you want to do again 5% again of that first amount not the increased amount again so you need to make sure that you’re staying compliant and making sure that your cap doesn’t go above the 5% plus CPI or the maximum of 10% whichever is lower this is something that you can get around when somebody moves out you aren’t limited on how much you’re allowed to reent the property out for so when you go and find a new tenant you can market that and get market rent even if you were severely undermarket before in closing up and summarizing.

    What should you do as the landlord of a property that is covered you need to figure out first if you’re covered or if you’re exempt if you are covered then you need to make sure you understand the rules if you’re exempt you need to actually have some documentation in your lease regarding that as well second if you are covered stick to those rent cap rules and frankly I recommend everybody stick to these rent cap rules even if you aren’t covered unless you have a special a special circumstance where you actually have severely undermarket rent and tenants that are capable of paying more there are just there’s just some really good things that you can do as a landlord to create longer tenencies and actually increase your ROI without necessarily keeping your property all the way at market rent 100% of the time again there are some just cause eviction rules we can talk about those in more detail feel free to call us if you want to know about just cause and those reasons why you would have somebody move out those are some protections in this ordinance but it’s not about rent control and that there are some disclosure requirements in your lease so if you are covered you have to disclose that and have a specific agenda in your lease that goes over AB1482 the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and if you’re exempt you also have to have very specific language that’s live that’s listed in the law of what you have to say to say that your property is excluded from rent control as well so those are a few of the things you need to do as a as a landlord as a tenant this does help you it protects you from some large rent hikes when you’re a covered property and it protects you from a landlord taking advantage of you for just trying to squeeze you for every penny that you’re worth so some of these things are are really good i know that landlords this is a real hot topic a sticking point for a lot of people especially when it comes around to getting rid of your property selling it renovating it trying to get a new tenant in and there’s a lot of restrictions around that however it is something that allows us to really be highquality landlords that actually uplift people in our community rather than just treating people like they’re another paycheck so these are great opportunities for us to be better landlords and better humans in our society.

    Conclusion: Understanding Rent Control in Temecula, CA

    Whether you’re a landlord managing multiple units or a tenant looking to understand your rights, staying informed about rent control regulations in Temecula, California is essential. Under California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), many properties in Temecula are subject to statewide rent caps and eviction protections—even if the city itself doesn’t have local rent control ordinances.

    By understanding how AB 1482 applies to rental properties in Temecula, you can make better decisions about leasing, investing, or renewing a rental agreement. At Uplift Property Management, we’re here to help guide you through these legal updates and ensure you’re always one step ahead in the ever-changing world of California rental laws.

    Claudina

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • How to Build an ADU in Southern California: Expert Guidance from Tagg Construction

    How to Build an ADU in Southern California: Expert Guidance from Tagg Construction

    Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a brilliant way to increase property value, create rental income, or offer room for extended family—but how do you even begin? In our latest video, Uplift Property Management teams up with one of our favorite vendors, Tagg Construction Company Inc., to take you through exactly how to design, permit, and build an ADU in Southern California. Whether you’re curious about costs, timelines, or zoning, this is where you begin.

    Watch the video here!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Property Management videos! Uplift Property Management

    Transcript

    Transcript Scroll Box

    Hi and welcome back inside Uplift Property Management today we’re going to be talking about a question we get all the time how do I add or build an ADU on my property and and what are the steps to do that and today Chris Tagg owner and CEO of TAGG Construction one of our trusted vendors is here to talk to us just about that so Chris all the time I get this question people want to add an ADU to their property or a junior ADU and you know what are the steps what how does one go about doing that i’m assuming it’s kind of a complicated process.

    So first step we want to take is to hire a drafter and engineer and to come up with a design and figure out if you’re going to do a ADU which is an attached or if you can do a detached ADU if you have a good drafter that provides some concier service like I personally use they’ll go down to the city and do all the footwork for you um they’ll find out where your setbacks are if you can do a detached and what size that is or if you can do an attached one um it’s really helpful that during that process to find a contractor to choose a contractor that you’re going to work with um there’s some like myself that donate their time up front um to try and land the project in the first place um that will help you with walking through with uh advice on design and then also when you get your your first round of plans um if you have a good contractor they go through and say hey to the engineer I can what if we did this and if we did it this way it could save the customer money now I know it’s not necessary to get a contractor upfront but could you give a good example of you know a time where where yourself have saved a client money because they got that contractor upfront during this first stage yeah absolutely so um we’re doing one right now in Delmare and the first round of plans came back they have a decorative tower on the top and so the the engineer designed it with steel I-beams and this all this wrap to make it fully functional and so I immediately came back and said “Hey when the homeowner was concerned about the budget I said “If you if we put trusses here and make that tower a false tower that right there saves the customer $60,000 right off the bat.” And of course the customer was ecstatic and that’s the way we decided to go so the engineers went back he said “All right I’ll design this with trusses and a false tower on the top and saved the customer money.” And we moved on and they’re happy okay so step one we’ve hired a drafter we’ve hired an engineer hopefully we’ve hired a contractor to help in that process what’s the the next step in in building this ADU once you’ve kind of chosen that you need to go down to the your you know if you’re the county or you’re a city you need to go down there and tell them hey this is what I’m trying to do what and that’s that’s where the having that drafter that provides the concier service or even some engineers do it um they will go down to the county for you or the city the local so you’re not actually going down there as long as you find a good drafter who they’ll go and do it for Some people some people don’t want to pay the extra but it’s not that large of an additional fee if you get a good one um so yeah so you don’t necessarily have to go down there yourself if you choose the right people on your team they’ll go down there and they’ll figure out all the information that the city wants okay and we’re going you know San Diego County Tmacula um Riverside really we have lots of different areas and they all have different rules so we have to make sure we’re going to the correct um you know jurisdiction where those permits where can you find out where um that office would be for the location your house is at you would have to Google it you’d have to go to each one and say you know city um you can look up if you’re in the county or city jurisdiction and then who who’s the the uh local authority basically if you just type in on Google like for instance Ramona if you type type in Ramona where do you go for uh permits for the city of Ramona and it’ll it’ll say this is an unincorporated city or an unincorporated area and you are under the jurisdiction of the county of San Diego and then it’ll provide the address there in downtown okay so we’ve gone to our local jurisdiction to pull permits uh what’s what comes next yeah so you got your your initial set of stamped engineered plans you went down to the city you pulled the permits now you’re going to want to start shopping around for other quotes from contractors um hopefully you have one that you really like that you started this with but obviously you know you haven’t signed any contract with him so now get your preliminary numbers um and the reason I say their preliminary numbers is because what the engineer has in mind and what the city has in mind by the time that they get it and it goes through all of their people can sometimes be two different things when you’re doing these projects your everybody’s water mane um is typically three quarters um and so when you’re starting to add more units things that take um water inside of any house to a property then you have to do a fixture unit count every city or county is different based uh on what they use for their their fixture unit counts and so a project we just had in North Park had we were two fixture units below their maximum number before they required a 1- in water man and the city decided we don’t care we want you to upgrade the main and that just cost the customer $40,000 and that came out of nowhere at all the way at the very end when they were about to release the permit so that you could start the project and so that’s why when I say preliminary you just never know what they’re what the city’s going to come back and say the city also on that same project said “We understand you’re putting 5/8 drywall which is overkill typically it’s/ in but we also now want you to do type X 2-hour rated fire rated drywall on the outer edges of the building on the left and the right and on the ceilings and that cost the homeowner an additional $10,000.”

    So it sounds like besides you know that preliminary quote owners need to budget for unexpected things correct yes absolutely okay so we’ve gotten contractor quotes um what is the the third step here in in building our ADU in the middle of the process you’re going to end up getting your first round of re revisions and that’s when the city comes back and say says things like the drywall or even the water mane but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to say that right then and there obviously the the drywall actually in the North Park one came up in the first round of revisions the water mane came up later now during that you obviously you talked about budgeting there you’re going to need to start coming up with a budget you’re getting your preliminary estimates you’re creating that budget to see what you can afford and before you submit your first round of revisions um you’re going to want to find out what you can afford so some people get into this thinking then they have a number in mind and that number might not be realistic um and so you want to start figuring out what your what your budget is i have a project we’re working on right now um we gave them a preliminary cost and now we’ve gotten through the engineering and we’re at the first round of revisions and they said “Hey um maybe we don’t need to add this addition that’s just essentially a pantry that’s ob going to the exterior maybe we don’t need to do this addition how much is that going to save us?” And that by not doing what the pantry that they wanted they’re saving about $13,000 so now they’re rebudgeting and of course during your first round of revisions is the time that you’re going to want to submit any change like that say so the you tell your engineer hey we’re not doing the pantry anymore we’re not doing whatever it is now they’re going to remove that from the plans remove all those additional things then you’re going to resubmit to the city and then wait for them to come back with whether or not it’s just approved or if they have any wacky things for instance like the water meter okay so you’ve submitted those revisions you you’ve budgeted um what comes next uh what comes next um so once the city has accepted everything and your plan’s good everything’s good to go you’re going to get what we call a set of city approved engineered plans and now you can get complete accurate quotes from all of your contractors because we got the preliminary and then during that process the city came back and made changes or you made changes and we had to submit pre um you know first stage or second stage revisions and then now you have a city approved set that means you’re ready to start your project so now you take that back to the contractor or contractors that you were considering and they can provide you with accurate definitive estimates at that point and at this point is when you would sign uh a contract with your contractor and then choose which one yes absolutely um now you’re ready to start your project um I would say there’s some things that you want to discuss with your contractor during this time and it’s uh are your utilities going to be down your electrical your water your gas during any part of this so that people can pre-plan if they need to go and stay in a hotel or a friend’s house because during these projects obviously um sometimes we get to stages where you’re not going to have utilities for one to three days um and so those are things you want to plan you want to plan if you’re adding to the existing house whether it’s an ADU or an addition is where you’re going to place all your stuff um plans for the contractor to be able to place their equipment um possibly a storage pod on the on the property or space in the garage um or on the property somewhere that they can store all their equipment so they don’t having to transport it back and forth you’re that you’re you’re on the you’re on the roll you’re on the track to complete your project t typically how long would you estimate an average ADU uh would take your contractor from start of this whole process where you’re submitting plans to you’re you know we’re done and and ready to rent out the ADU the with the city all the cities are on different time schedules i did a project in Incinus um and that it only took them 30 days to give us permits for the entire project north Park took 6 months our Newport project took three months so the the city’s time frame doesn’t always jive with everybody else’s so I usually say I would expect to wait between 3 months 3 to 6 months to get your city approved plans so that you can start your project and then I would say for from a contractor standpoint if you’re doing a a 500 to 800 ft um ADU I would typically factor anywhere between 6 to 9 months and I know a big question for a lot of our uh current owners and and anyone looking for an ADU is or to add an ADU to their property is how much value is this going to add and and what can we rent this this out for so pulling some numbers for for San Diego and Tmacula um one and two bedroom ADUs in San Diego for a one-bedroom ADU we’re looking at a monthly rent of 1,200 to 2800 um really just depends on the area uh of San Diego i know San Diego has so many different pockets i would also uh a question for you going going based off of that which would be good for people that are considering building an ADU for uh rental use is what about quality of materials um would you say that they’re going to be able to get a higher rent if they went with more of a higher grade um designed pro project as opposed to doing something that’s just you know kind of middle of the roads um middle of the road materials and and style and stuff like that yeah so so that’s a great question and and I would say in a normal market that that does have a factor um and in today’s market it it does have a small factor but um we are in a declining rental market right now so um things like amenities and um style I I’m seeing a lot of people shift more towards um I just need a place to live that is affordable and that I can you know support my family and and be able to to live comfortably but the market’s always shifting so as as we kind of back off that um you know really price sensitive market we’re in right now um definitely the quality of the ADU is going to make make a huge difference also the size of an ADU um you know a 1,200 ft² ADU is going to go for more than a 500 ft ADU it really just depends on on what you’re building and and what the person is looking for and location and yeah location location yeah is is really important.

    All righty well if you are interested in learning more about putting an ADU on your property feel free to reach out to us here at Uplift we’d love to get you connected with uh TAGG Construction and and do a consult with you and would love to go over what those rental prices would be in your specific area that that you want to build in um and Chris can get you some of those preliminary quotes on um what what that might cost to to complete your project.

    Conclusion: Building an ADU in Southern California with Confidence

    An Accessory Dwelling Unit on your property can be one of the best investments you will ever make—whether you’re expanding living space, generating rental income, or increasing your home’s long-term value. But it’s more than just building—there’s a firm understanding of local regulations, permitting, and costs specific to Southern California that must occur.

    At Uplift Property Management, we are committed to helping property owners from the very beginning through to the end. Through the guidance of experienced and trusted professionals like Tagg Construction Company Inc., we make it a reality that constructing an ADU in Southern California is not only possible, but simple and attainable as well.

    If you’re looking to start your own Southern California ADU project, we can help you navigate the process with professional guidance, reliable resources, and local support!

    Claudina

    , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Military Orders? Why Renting Your Home with Uplift Property Management Is the Smart Move

    Military Orders? Why Renting Your Home with Uplift Property Management Is the Smart Move

    Military Orders? Why Renting Your Home with Uplift Property Management Is the Smart Move

    When you’re in the military, change is part of the lifestyle. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders can come quickly, leaving you with the tough decision of what to do with your current home. Selling might feel like the easiest option—but it’s not always the best one, especially if you want to hold onto your investment and watch it grow.

    At Uplift Property Management, we specialize in helping military members like you turn your home into a profitable rental—without the stress of managing it yourself.

    Why Renting Makes Sense for Military Homeowners

    Whether you’re stationed out of state or overseas, renting your home gives you a chance to:

    • Build Long-Term Equity
      Keep your home and continue building equity while someone else helps pay down your mortgage.

    • Return Later (If You Want To)
      Renting gives you the flexibility to move back in when you’re done with your assignment.

    • Capitalize on San Diego’s Strong Rental Market
      Demand for rentals in San Diego is high. This makes it a great time to turn your home into a passive income source.

    Why Military Personnel Choose Uplift Property Management

    We understand how unique military homeowners are. That’s why we’ve made our services accommodate you:

    Military-Friendly Experience

    We’ve worked with so many military members. You can be active duty, reservist, or veteran—regardless, we understand the realities of PCS and the benefit in having a reliable property manager no matter where you’re deployed.

    Transparent Communication—Wherever You’re Stationed

    Our secure online platform gives you 24/7 access to everything: financials, maintenance details, and tenant info. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll always be up to date on what’s happening at home.

    Local Market Expertise

    We’ve got San Diego local knowledge. From pricing your home at the optimum rate to placing the right tenant, our staff with years of experience understand what succeeds in this local rental market—so your home is in good hands.

    Full-Service Peace of Mind

    From ad and tenant screening to maintenance and rent collection, we do everything. You focus on your mission—our crew will take the rest.

    No Long-Term Commitment

    Our accommodating management plans because we understand that service in the armed forces is not always by a predictable schedule.

    Who Can I Hire to Rent My Home If I Am Moving for the Military?

    If you’re asking: “Who can I hire to rent my home if I am moving for the military?”—Uplift Property Management is the answer. We specialize in assisting military families and make renting your property simple, secure, and profitable. Better yet—your first month of property management is completely free if you’re active duty military.

    PCS orders may be beyond your control—but your home doesn’t have to be. Renting it with Uplift is a smart way to protect your investment and avoid the stress of selling under pressure.

    📞 Contact us today to get started.

    Claudina

    ,
    , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • California AB 2493: New Rules for Tenant Application Fees Explained!

    California AB 2493: New Rules for Tenant Application Fees Explained!

    California AB 2493: New Rules for Tenant Application Fees Explained!

    In California’s ever-evolving rental landscape, staying current with new legislation is crucial for both landlords and tenants. One of the latest updates making waves is Assembly Bill 2493, which introduces new rules around tenant application screening fees.

    Whether you’re a landlord who charges these fees or a renter navigating the application process, AB 2493 directly affects how much can be charged, how often those fees can increase, and what the funds are used for. In this blog, we’ll break down what AB 2493 entails, why it matters, and how to stay compliant in 2025 and beyond.

    Watch the video here!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Property Management videos! Uplift Property Management

    Transcript

    Transcript Scroll Box

    Here are the changes to the tenant application screening process in California. Welcome back inside Uplift Property Management I’m CEO Tommy Perfect here to talk about changes to the tenant application screening process and the new laws that are going into effect this year.

    So the new law is AB2493 and it talks about all of these different changes and when you’re allowed to charge a screening fee how you’re supposed to come up with that fee and then what kind of responsibilities you have as the landlord to give back to the tenant some of these things we talk about are when you have an application and when you have a property available you need to have a property that’s available for them soon after within what they call reasonable amount of time.

    Next you need to make sure that you have a system set up for screening those applications that come in really on a first come first qualified now when I say first come that’s first completed application that comes in with all the necessary documentation that needs to be there to complete the application the first one that’s there that meets your criteria is the one that needs to be approved applicants are allowed to change their application and add to it but you still need to make sure that you’re going off that first come first qualified.

    One of the main changes that this affects really mainly multifamily housing is where you have weight lists so AB2493 really limits the viability of a wait list in saying that you can only charge a screening fee on an application when you have a rental unit that is going to be available to the applicant within a reasonable amount of time now I don’t know what a reasonable amount of time is to the California legislature but I know for us at Uplift we generally will keep an application for about 60 days viable so we can only charge that screening fee when we actually have a unit that we will expect to be ready.

    One other point that AB2493 points out is that we are required as landlords to send the screening report that we use that that consumer credit report to the tenant in writing within 7 days of running that screening report so making sure that you are adding that layer of transparency to your application process.

    The main operational changes and implicate implications that AB2493 have for us property managers and other landlords is that one make sure that you have that clear first come first qualified application process second ensure that you have that transparency sending that screening report if you need it to the to the tenant and then three adjust when you’re going to be charging those application screening fees a lot of times that’s the first gateway into actually having your application uh considered just make sure that your practices are matching up with this law. Documentation requirements you know maintain those records of your process clearly defined for everybody out have a score on how you’re going to run that criteria for your tenants you know find some of those opportunities to add documentation to what can sometimes be a rather subjective process in screening an applicant and lastly, these deadlines and these changes it already passed this all went into effect January 1st 2025 so you need to make sure that you aren’t already behind the eightball and you’re following along with these changes that you’re required to make to help applicants have that level of transparency and trust with your property management company or with your housing experience.

    If there are any questions or concerns regarding your application process or how Uplift is running our applications and how we have that process line item out feel free to give us a call anytime and we’re happy to go over those things.

    Conclusion

    Understanding AB 2493 and Staying Ahead of the Curve

    AB 2493 represents another step toward greater transparency and fairness in California’s rental process. By adjusting how tenant application fees are calculated and regulated, this law ensures that renters aren’t overcharged—while also giving landlords clear guidelines to follow.

    For property owners, staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about building trust and professionalism in a competitive market. At Uplift Property Management, we help landlords stay up to date with the latest regulations and implement best practices that keep their rental business running smoothly.

    Need help updating your tenant screening process in light of AB 2493? Reach out to Uplift today—we’ve got your back.

    Claudina

    ,
    , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • CA AB 2801: Changes Security Deposit Rules! What You Must Know!

    CA AB 2801: Changes Security Deposit Rules! What You Must Know!

    CA AB 2801: Changes Security Deposit Rules! What You Must Know!

    California’s rental laws are constantly evolving, and AB 2801 is the latest bill to impact how landlords and tenants handle security deposits. Whether you’re a renter looking to understand your rights or a property owner adjusting to new regulations, these changes could significantly affect the leasing process. Here’s what you need to know about AB 2801 and its impact on California’s rental market.

    Watch the video here!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Property Management videos! Uplift Property Management

    Transcript

    Transcript Scroll Box

    Hey! There’s new security deposit laws in California here’s what you need to know!

    Welcome back inside Uplift Property Management I’m CEO Tommy Perfect and I am really excited to share with you a little bit about the new California law AB2801, it’s all changes to the security deposit uh handling and how we can do that as a landlord.

    So under our current existing regulations under California civil code you know we have our normal security deposit you know you go in you inspect the unit you see what’s wrong you can tell the tenant what damages are there we already have a little bit of provisions behind that but then what we do is you go and you just charge the security deposit for whatever repairs or damages there were and you send your invoices along with it. So that’s kind of where we go with these security deposits right now but AB2801 is really just switching that up a little bit and requiring a lot more evidence from you the landlord to prove the value of those charges to the tenant.

    The biggest hurdle that you’re going to see with this new law here in California is that you’re going to have to take a lot more photos now, we already take photos all the time move-in photos, move out photos all those things are great if you’re a good property manager a good landlord you’re already doing these things this really just codifies some of those requirements so one mandatory move-in inspections you can’t just leave it on your tenant anymore to do those inspections for you anymore you really have to go in and have your own date time stamped photos at move-in. Then of course at move out you’re going to take and document all of those issues that were there at the property all of those tenant caused damages a real show of the condition of the unit and now the third step the third round of photos now is that you’re going to have to take photos of the actual repairs completed and send those along with the itemized statement and invoices for that security deposit disposition for the tenant.

    Really important right now for property managers and landlords is this starts going into effect April 1st 2025 that’s just a few weeks away right now for all of your moveout photos and those third step those repair photos for your existing tenants so all of those moveouts that happen on or after April 1st 2025 you need to have those date timestamp photos at move out and of completed repairs the movein photo requirement will be established for all new tenencies as of July 1st 2025 so make sure you remember those dates and stay compliant.

    I know some of you guys are out there thinking “Oh every time that a tenant moves out you’re going to be able to charge for cleaning.” Well this really takes away that automatic cleaning fee that any landlord or property manager might have it really makes it specific that you can’t just say “Oh yeah no matter what you’re going to get charged for cleaning.” Now you and I both might know that the tenants never really leave it all the way clean so you can still charge a cleaning fee as long as you are actually returning the property to the initial status and condition when the tenant received it so if you had it professionally cleaned when they moved in you can then charge to make sure that it’s professionally cleaned when they moved out or the tenant has that opportunity to pay a professional cleaner to hit those initial conditions when they moved in.

    The days of automatically charging for carpet cleaning or automatically charging for cleaning the the house or apartment are long gone those are in the past and we got to move forward under these new regulations one of the lesserk known things that’s already part of California landlord tenant law is that the right to an initial inspection or we call it a pre moveout inspection this inspection happens 14 days prior to the tenant moving out now there are some really specific requirements when this happens and it is optional you as a landlord must offer it to the tenant but the tenant has the option to take you up on it if they do take you up on that initial or pre-moveout inspection there are some specific requirements that you need to follow as the landlord.

    First off you need to provide an itemized written statement of the potential damages that the tenant may be charged for now that kind of fits you into a box right? you have to get everything on that statement so that you can charge it or if they have personal belongings that are in the unit that are preventing you from being able to see the damage, then you can still charge for those or damages that occur in between that initial inspection and the move out date.

    This law changes a little bit when a unit is entirely empty if they’ve already vacated and they still want that pre-move out they still want to hold possession of the unit so they can make those repairs you have to get all of those things into that statement and give the tenant a chance to cure those damages before you’re able to charge their security deposit.

    In conclusion AB 281 big thing on photos three stages of photos move in move out after repair got to have it it’s required got to start doing that second, no more mandatory cleaning fees and then lastly, changes to those um initial inspections and giving that photo evidence to the tenant that documentation to the tenant to really prove the charge and prove the value that you actually had caused in damages so you got to make sure that we keep up on these laws and you know feel free to call Uplift if you have any questions regarding this and we’re happy to help you walk you through these security deposit questions and the pain points that happen.

    Conclusion

    AB 2801 is another step toward tenant-friendly rental policies in California. While it introduces new challenges for landlords, it also provides clarity and consistency in security deposit handling. Staying proactive and informed is key to navigating these changes successfully.

    At Uplift Property Management, we help landlords stay ahead of California’s evolving rental laws. If you need guidance on how AB 2801 will impact your rental property, contact us today—we’re here to help you adapt and thrive!

    Claudina

    , ,
    , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Navigating San Diego’s Declining Rental Market: What It Means for Renters & Landlords!

    Navigating San Diego’s Declining Rental Market: What It Means for Renters & Landlords!

    Navigating San Diego’s Declining Rental Market: What It Means for Renters & Landlords!

    Welcome back to Inside Uplift Property Management!

    San Diego’s rental market is shifting, and navigating a declining market can be challenging for both landlords and renters.

    In this video, we break down the latest trends, what’s causing rental prices to drop, and how property owners can adapt to stay profitable. Whether you’re looking to rent, invest, or manage properties, these insights will help you make informed decisions in today’s changing landscape.

    Watch the video here!

    Transcript

    Transcript Scroll Box

    How can I price my rental? Welcome back Inside Uplift Property Management and today we’re going to be talking about navigating a declining rental market.

    So the current market reality here in Southern California is we’re seeing increased competition it’s a very price sensitive Market people are looking for those deals.

    Declining profit margins um and this is you know for the majority of our owners we’re seeing those profit margins start to to decrease and we’re coming off years of record high rents and you know year over-year as we’re increasing rents eventually that has to stop and and we’re kind of at that moment where we’re seeing a kickback in the market um and we’re going to start seeing those rental rates drop.

    Some external financial pressures that everybody’s going to see first and foremost the rise of property insurance specially now after these fires that have gone through Southern California we can expect property insurance to go up we can expect fire Insurance to go up the next cost that we’re going to see is increased property taxes and expect to see those HOAs if you live in an HOA Community their insurance is going up too so expect to see higher HOA dues maintenance seems every single year it seems like maintenance is getting more and more expensive same with those vendors they have their cost to pay uh expect to pay more for maintenance vendors and then also here in California we have a lot of ant anti landlord legislation so that’s something to always stay on top of you can always check out our website and our our blogs to see what new laws are in effect that might be affecting some of your your profit margins and how you can increase rent.

    So and that brings us to why competitive pricing matters like I said before this is a sensitive Market people are looking for a deal so what we’ve been communicating to our owners is price competitively uh when we’re looking on Zillow and we’re looking at at different uh comps um I really like to to dive into those comps and see you know what the prices of of other rentals in the area but also how many applications do they have how many views how long has it been on the market and that’ll give me a good indicator of okay hey we have a unit at 2500 and they’re starting to get some views I want to come in under 2500 2400 that way we can rent your unit quickly we can avoid that loss to lease.

    Key strategies for Market marting your unit competitively like I said before we want to research the market make sure we’re coming under other other units available adjust that pricing right so if you have your your listing on the market for a week and you’re not getting any views it’s listed too high and you need to drop your pricing offer incentives so move in specials that moving from place to place can be really stressful with security deposits first month’s rent you know there’s a lot of financial responsibility that goes into moving so any you know incentives 500 off your first month’s rent anything like that is really going to draw people to your unit and then lastly focus on value you know in your listing really highlight the things in your unit that you know separate yourself from other people so make sure we’re focusing on value.

    Balancing cost and revenue a few things we want to do is we just want to monitor expenses make sure you’re keeping a detailed accounting of what’s going on in your unit preventative maintenance those little things really build up so make sure we’re getting in there doing preventative maintenance to avoid a huge maintenance Bill and lastly just plan for those Rising costs uh vendors Insurance all the things we’ve talked about work that into your budget that way it’s not a surprise uh when those things start to increase.

    looking to the longterm you know you really want to focus on occupancy uh try to avoid tenant turnover now is the time to do that more than ever uh you want to build those tenant relationships it’s really important um that your property manager or yourself is is keeping a good relationship with tenants prepare for recovery so we’re seeing a lot of increase in prices but it’s it’s not going to happen forever we’re seeing decrease rent it’s not going to happen forever so just hold in there you know things will get better and just be sure to adapt and stay on top of all those legislation changes.

    So in conclusion, yes it’s a declining market and yes we’re seeing prices rise uh but as long as you plan correctly you budget correctly um only rental unit can can be a joy so um if you have any more questions about what’s going on in the market or how to price your unit competitively feel free to give us a call here at uplift we’d love to talk it over with you.

    Conclusion

    It’s time to think ahead of changes in San Diego’s rental market for both landlords and renters alike. A declining market can be very challenging, but it presents a unique opportunity: negotiating better lease terms, rethinking rental strategies, and even new investment possibilities. Stay proactive, use data-driven insights in your favor, and work with a trusted property management team to get through this change.

    At Uplift Property Management, we are dedicated to ensuring that property owners maximize their investments and that tenants find quality housing. For expert guidance through this changing market, contact our team today!

    Claudina

    , , , , , , , , , , , ,