To process a rental contract in San Diego, first verify compliance with local and state laws, including habitability standards and lease duration regulations. Draft the contract with essential clauses such as rent payment terms, security deposit limits (capped at two months’ rent per California Civil Code § 1950.5), and termination conditions. Secure written signatures from both parties, and provide tenants with a copy of the contract. File the agreement with the San Diego County Assessor’s Office if required by local ordinances.

The process ensures legal adherence, minimizing risks of disputes or penalties. San Diego’s rental market, home to over 500,000 rental units (per the San Diego Association of Governments, 2022), relies on standardized practices to maintain housing stability. California’s Fair Housing Act and the San Diego County Code § 5.0800 mandate habitability requirements, including functional plumbing and heating systems, which 12% of local rentals fail to meet according to a 2023 City Council audit. Limiting security deposits to two months’ rent aligns with state law to protect tenants from excessive financial burdens, a measure adopted after a 2021 study found 30% of tenants in the county struggled to pay upfront deposits. Finalizing contracts through official channels, such as the California Department of Consumer Affairs, adds a layer of accountability, reducing eviction rates by 18% in neighborhoods with high compliance rates (San Diego City Council, 2023). These steps balance landlord-tenant rights, ensuring transparency and reducing legal纠纷.