Just a few years ago, it was common to be asked for a deposit of two months' rent when looking for an apartment in San Diego.

Now, things are different. Under California AB 12, which took effect in July 2024, the maximum deposit for most rental agreements has been reduced to one month's rent. However, small landlords who own four or fewer rental units and hold them in their name can still require up to two months' rent as an exception.

Just because the deposit amount has decreased doesn't mean the screening process has become easier. In fact, landlords are now more likely to scrutinize tenants' credit scores and income more closely, as the safety net of the first month's deposit has become thinner.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego varies by source. According to Rent.com, it is around $2,272, while Zillow estimates it to be slightly higher at $2,395 as of August 2026.

In relatively affordable areas like downtown SD, rents hover around $1,850, but in popular areas like Mission Valley, they can rise to $3,545.

With rent at these levels, the income requirements set by management companies naturally increase. Many require tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent, meaning that for a unit in the $2,300 range, a pre-tax monthly income of nearly $7,000 is typically needed to qualify.

So, what credit score is necessary? Most landlords set a minimum standard of 650, and if you're aiming for a desirable unit, having a score above 700 is advantageous.

During the screening process, landlords typically consider not just the credit score but also income, previous rental history, and background checks in a comprehensive evaluation. Even if your credit score is low, if you have never missed a rent payment and can prove stable income from two or more sources, you may still qualify.

If your score falls short, there are a few practical alternatives. The first is to have a cosigner or guarantor.

If a family member or friend with solid income and credit signs the lease with you, management companies view the risk as mitigated. The second option is to enroll in a rental guarantee insurance program like The Guarantors or Insurent, which typically costs between 4.5% and 10% of the annual rent. The third option is to increase the deposit, but due to the AB 12 cap mentioned earlier, it is generally difficult to exceed one month's rent with standard landlords.

In school districts preferred by Korean families, such as University City or near Poway, competition is fierce, and credit standards are often applied more stringently.

While you can refer to metrics like GreatSchools or Niche for school ratings, keep in mind that school boundaries change frequently, so it's advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before signing a lease. For investors looking for rental income, these school district areas have the advantage of shorter vacancy periods, but it's important to remember that there is no guarantee that property values will continue to rise.

Families moving to San Diego from other states may find their credit history is short, resulting in lower scores.

In such cases, it's not a lack of credit but rather a lack of established history. Offering several months' rent in advance or providing proof of rent payment history from a previous residence can be effective strategies. For those just arriving from Korea and preparing to settle in, it's common to have no credit history in the U.S., so exploring services like Nova Credit that can convert your credit history from Korea for U.S. management companies to reference may be worthwhile.

It's difficult to quickly raise your credit score right before signing a lease. The most basic yet effective method is to maintain your credit card utilization below 30% and ensure you never miss a payment starting a few months before applying for rent. Recently, more management companies are offering services that reflect rent payment history on credit reports, so consistently paying your rent can naturally help improve your score for future leases.

Deposit regulations and screening criteria can vary significantly by county or individual management company, so it's safer to verify the conditions of the specific unit before signing a lease.