Starting July 1, 2025, many San Diego rental properties will no longer receive free trash collection. The City of San Diego is phasing in monthly trash fees for property owners—something landlords need to plan for now.
Managing property expenses in California is tough enough without unexpected fees. At Good Life Property Management, we help landlords stay ahead of policy changes like this one. If you’re unsure how to adjust your lease or communicate the new trash collection fees to tenants, schedule a call with our team today. We’ll help you stay compliant, transparent, and prepared.
Key takeaways
- Trash collection is no longer free for single-family homes and small multi-unit rentals in San Diego.
- Expect to pay around $29/month per unit by 2026.
- You may be able to pass fees to tenants, but your lease must allow it.
- Prepare now by reviewing your leases and communicating early.
Table of Contents
Who Will Be Affected by the New Trash Fees?
Landlords who own rental units in the City of San Diego—especially in multifamily buildings with 2 or more units—will be impacted. These properties are currently getting free trash service from the city, but that’s changing.
Here’s what we know:
- Multifamily properties: Will receive monthly trash bills starting in 2025.
- Single-family homes: Still covered by free trash service—for now.
- Condo units, ADUs, and duplexes: May also fall under the new fee structure depending on the property type and service setup.
What Will Trash Collection Cost?
The city estimates the cost will be around:
- Monthly cost: About $29/month by 2026
- Initial charge: Around $13/month starting in mid-2025
- Applies to single-family homes that receive city collection (approx. 285,000 households)
That’s roughly $300+ per year per unit, which can impact your cash flow if you’re not prepared.
Can I Charge Tenants for Trash Collection?
Yes—but only if your lease allows it.
The city is charging owners directly, so you’ll need clear lease language stating that tenants are responsible for trash or municipal service charges. Without that clause, you’ll be stuck covering the cost.
Now’s the time to:
- Review your lease agreements
- Add/update a utility pass-through clause
- Notify tenants about changes with appropriate notice
Why This Matters
Changes like this often sneak up on landlords, especially if you self-manage. But small monthly charges can add up quickly—especially if you manage multiple units. Being proactive means no surprises for you or your tenants.
Bottom Line for San Diego Landlords
Trash collection fees are coming, and they’re your responsibility unless you plan ahead. Updating your lease now could save you hundreds later—and show your tenants that you’re transparent and organized.
Need help updating your lease or adjusting your rental strategy? At Good Life Property Management, we make sure you’re never caught off guard by policy shifts. We manage hundreds of homes in San Diego and help landlords protect their profits and stay compliant.
Schedule a call to speak with one of our Good Life experts and discover how we can help with your property.
FAQs About Trash Collection Fees
1. When do the new trash fees start in San Diego?
Starting July 1, 2025, San Diego will begin phasing in fees for city-managed residential trash collection.
2. How much will the new trash fees cost?
Monthly cost: About $29/month by 2026
Initial charge: Around $13/month starting in mid-2025
While $13/month is the starting point, expect to pay $50–$60/month per home by the time full service is included.
3. Can landlords pass the trash fee to tenants?
Yes—if your lease includes language allowing for pass-through utility or service fees.
4. Do multifamily buildings over 5 units get charged?
Most large multifamily buildings already pay for private waste services and are not affected by this change.
5. Do I need to change my lease?
If you want to pass on this cost to tenants, your lease needs to include the right language. We recommend reviewing your agreement with a property manager or attorney.
Resources and Useful links:
Steve Welty
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