Homeowner FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions from Property Owners

Our management fees vary based on the type of leasing and services provided. Unfurnished long-term leasing and furnished short-term leasing require different forms of management, and varying levels of involvement on the part of management. We can discuss the costs of each in detail with you should you decide property management is right for you.

What services are provided in exchange for the management fee?

We market and advertise; screen and take applications from prospective residents; negotiate and draw lease agreements; collect security deposits, rents, and cleaning fees; send late notices to delinquent residents if necessary; move residents in and out; contract for cleaning services following tenant departure; provide thorough inspections prior to move in, and post move out; coordinate with vendors for a variety of property needs; maintain quality control of housewares, furnishings and décor of short term rental properties; provide emergency maintenance service 24 hours a day; remit monthly disbursements with an itemized statement and, at the end of the year, an IRS form 1099 along with an annual statement.

Where does Stay San Diego find qualified tenants?

Stay San Diego maintains regular advertising of our business, as well for individual properties in our portfolio. We maintain listings on the top rental websites, including those specifically geared towards vacation and corporate travelers. Having been in downtown San Diego for over 16 years, we have built numerous relationships with corporate relocation companies, governmental agencies, housing placement organizations, professional sports teams, theatrical art productions, and a host of local real estate professionals in the San Diego area. Our referral network is very expansive, and many of our tenants contact our office directly for rentals.

How are the rates set for my property?

Rates for long-term rentals are based on market rents for comparable properties in similar locations. Since a significant number of residential properties in downtown San Diego are non-owner or renter occupied, there is ample amount of rental data available.

Rates for short-term rentals are also based on comparable rentals, and further depend on location, views, condition of the property, interior furnishings, and decor. Rates also vary seasonally and fluctuate based on the time of year and length of stay.

How does Stay San Diego screen residents?

We subscribe (at no expense to the owner) to a national tenant screening service that provides us with credit reports and searches court records for any unlawful detainer actions and criminal history. Short-term residents generally pay the full amount of the rental in advance, and most of our short-term residents are prior customers or referrals. At Stay San Diego we set high standards for tenants and motivate them to meet those standards. This also helps to maximize income, minimize expense, and maintain the overall property and its value.

How long will it take to rent my property? What can I expect my occupancy rate to be?

If your property is ready to rent immediately, it typically takes less than 30 days to locate a qualified tenant. We start advertising as soon as we have a signed management agreement in place and professional photography of the property completed. Prospective tenants contact our office daily in search of rentals for immediate move-in, and we receive many inquiries up to a year in advance.

Annual occupancy rates will vary by property, and depend upon the location and condition of the property, as well as the amount of time an owner may block off dates of stay for personal use.

Should my property be a long-term unfurnished rental, or a short-term fully furnished rental?

We can help you determine whether your property is best suited as a long-term or short-term rental, depending on your needs. One of the decisions you must make is whether you want to use the property yourself throughout the year. If personal use of the property is important to you, you may want to consider the short-term, fully furnished rental of your property to allow for your own use and enjoyment.

While short-term rents can be significantly higher than long-term rents, the expenses are higher as well. Short-term management fees are higher, utility costs are greater, and the cost of maintaining furnishings and housewares are things to consider in a short-term rental, that do not apply in long-term rentals.

How do I get started with the rental of my property?

First, please call our office with any questions that we have not answered here. We want you to have an opportunity to have all your questions answered before committing your property to our management!

Once we have discussed our management services with you to determine if it’s a good fit, we will schedule an appointment to preview your property and to facilitate its placement into our portfolio. After viewing your property, we will assess market rental rates, discuss marketing plans, and the steps forward.