Protect Your Rental Property in Southern California

Owning rental property has never been more complicated

Rent caps. Just Cause. Security deposit limits. Screening rules. New local ordinances, city by city.

The rules change constantly, and one missed change can cost you thousands. Large management companies have staff to track it all. Most independent owners don’t.

That’s where SCRHA comes in. Since 1919, we’ve helped rental owners and rental professionals across San Diego, Imperial and Southern Riverside Counties navigate change with confidence.

Why owners join SCRHA

Stay compliant. Get clear, timely updates on state and local rules, and what they mean for your property.

Avoid costly mistakes. Use trusted, up-to-date forms and get answers before a small problem becomes an expensive one.

Protect your investment. Your property is likely one of your largest assets. We help you protect it.

Have a voice. SCRHA represents rental owners at city halls, county boards and in Sacramento, so your concerns are heard before decisions are made.

Get expert help. Learn from attorneys, industry experts and experienced owners who understand the rental business.

You’re not alone. Join 2,400+ members responsible for more than 145,000 rental units.

Stay ahead of regulatory changes

We track new laws and local ordinances so you don’t have to. Members receive updates on:

• Rent increase limits and rent control
• Just Cause eviction rules
• Security deposit requirements
• Tenant screening rules
• Local ordinances in your city

Click here for Regulatory Guidance.

Forms you can trust

Using outdated forms can create problems you don’t see until it’s too late. Members get access to rental forms kept current with California and local requirements, including leases and notices customized for local ordinances, an application that includes new legal requirements, detailed move-in/move-out checklists, and much more.

Need tenant screening too? Members get special pricing with SCRHA’s trusted screening partners. Find forms, screening and more in one place on our Resource Hub.

Browse Member Forms Visit the Resource Hub

Advocacy that protects your business

Most owners never see what SCRHA stops from happening. Here’s some of what we’ve done for rental owners:

• City of San Diego Residential Tenant Utility Fee Ordinance: SCRHA worked closely with the author's office to ensure that rental housing providers were not prohibited from charging for utilities and passing through third-party administrative costs.
• Lemon Grove Tenant Protection Ordinance: SCRHA engaged with local property owners and participated in hearings and workshops for months to ensure that the local ordinance closely mirrored state law, saving housing providers from additional relocation payments and more.
• Statewide Legislative Advocacy: Each year the state legislature proposes dozens of bill that can negatively impact rental housing providers. In 2026, SCRHA helped stop numerous problematic bills and worked to vastly improve others. 

Right now, we’re working on Transparency & Fee Limit Ordinances in both the City and County of San Diego, which will affect property owners, managers, and suppliers of certain services, by limiting screening options, banning certain fees.

See Advocacy at Work

Learn what you need, when you need it

From first-time landlords to owners with decades of experience, SCRHA classes cover what matters most: fair housing, tenant screening, maintenance, rent increases, and the latest legal changes.

See Upcoming Classes

Your membership options

New members pay a one-time $35 application fee. Dues are 65% tax-deductible as a business expense.

What owners say

“As a small property owner/landlord, it is a great relief to know that I have a very knowledgeable and available organization I can count on for my needs.”
— Laurie Elliott

“We are new members, and with all the new rental laws, SCRHA has been very helpful in assisting us to navigate through all the changes. The rental forms have also been very helpful, but especially the ability to call with questions… Our counselor has been extremely helpful, and we are so happy we joined this organization.”
— Jose Sainz

“They are knowledgeable and have always been very helpful when we call with a specific question about the best way to handle a situation and what to avoid. The always updated forms are a necessity.”
— Kristyne Dresselhaus

“They track and report on new legislation… and they have a publication that reports on apartment vacancy rates and average rental rates by neighborhood. They are a leading legislative advocate for the apartment industry.”
— Jennifer Chandos

“I have been a member for quite a few years, and they have been a tremendous help. I intend on staying with them as long as I need them.”
— Mary Gideon

Common questions

I only own one or two units. Is SCRHA for me?
Yes. Many of our members are independent owners with just a few units. Small owners often benefit most, because they don’t have a legal or compliance team of their own.

How much does membership cost?
Owner Basic Subscription (1–4 units) is $219 per year. Owner Regular is $309 plus $6.10 per unit, per year. New members also pay a one-time $35 application fee.

Will SCRHA give me legal advice?
SCRHA provides resources, industry best practices operational advice, forms and education to help you stay informed. For advice on your specific situation, we can connect you with attorneys who work with rental owners.

What areas do you serve?
San Diego County, Imperial County and Southern Riverside County.