Tranquility San Diego Blog

Over the years, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about residents, and for good reason . People who feel secure in their housing tend to stay longer, take pride in where they live, and contribute to the neighborhoods they’re part of. That’s beneficial for communities, and it’s also beneficial for rental property owners. But lately, there’s been more conversation around what it means to be pro-housing. And while building more homes is part of that solution, it’s also important to talk about the people who provide the rental housing that already exists in communities like La Mesa and throughout San Diego County. A recent opinion piece in the Times of San Diego, You Can’t Be Pro-Housing and Ignore the People Who Provide It , highlights something we see every day in our work as a local property management company. Most rental housing in San Diego isn’t owned by large corporations. It’s owned by individuals and community members. In fact, despite growing public attention on institutional investment in housing , research suggests that large institutional investors own fewer than 5% of detached single-family homes locally and may not be a dominant driver of overall housing costs in San Diego. Nationally, the single-family rental market remains overwhelmingly dominated by individual owners. According to recent BatchData analysis, 89.6% of single-family rental homes are owned by “mom-and-pop” landlords who hold between one and five properties . People renting out a condo they once lived in, a home they inherited, a duplex purchased as part of a retirement plan, or a single investment property meant to help build long-term financial stability.

Discover how professional property management saves landlords money through compliance, preventative maintenance, tenant retention, and reduced vacancy.

2025 was a busy one at Tranquility. Behind the scenes, it was filled with everyday moments that make up property management: maintenance requests, move-ins, move-outs, showings, conversations, and problem-solving. All the things that keep homes running smoothly and communities supported (plus a few fun moments and life milestones sprinkled in).

California lawmakers didn’t take it easy this year. A record number of new housing laws were passed in 2025, and several go into effect on January 1, 2026, directly impacting rental property owners. The good news? We’re already on it. At Tranquility Property Management, we closely track legislative changes so your properties stay compliant, protected, and well-positioned—without you needing to read through pages of legal language. Here’s a clear, landlord-friendly breakdown of the most important updates.

At Tranquility Property Management, we’ve always believed that creating great spaces goes beyond four walls. It’s about nurturing community — places where people thrive, connect, and create. That’s why we’re especially proud to share something close to our hearts: our very own CFO (and the heart of TPM) Beth Duggan is co-hosting an upcoming art show in La Mesa — Mirror Mirror: Reflections From a Woman’s Perspective .

Learn how CA fair housing laws impact San Diego landlords and tenants and how Tranquility Property Management ensures compliance, fairness, and peace of mind.

From packing hacks to move-out checklists, here’s what you really need to know before moving day. No matter where you're relocating to, moving is one of the most stressful life events. It's right up there with job changes, weddings, and assembling IKEA with your partner. We’ve seen it all (we’ve been involved with hundreds of moves with our tenants). That’s why we created this complete moving guide , packed with smart tips, practical strategies, and downloadable checklist to take with you every step of the way. It's our hope that after reading this you'll be able to move like you’ve done this a hundred times, even if it’s your first!

At Tranquility Property Management, we believe long-term, stable tenancies benefit everyone: property owners, residents, and the neighborhoods we serve across San Diego County. Our approach to rent increases is designed to be fair, consistent, and to balance tenant retention with the financial health of your investment property. Whether you own a single-family home or a multi-unit rental, our team helps you navigate the complexities of San Diego rental market trends with transparency and care.

In our last post, we discussed the general rules around deductions and the importance of documentation. Here, we're taking a closer look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of the process: defining "wear and tear" and how it affects what can–and can't–be deducted after a tenant moves out. Here's what every landlord needs to know:

Serious About Property Management (Not So Much About Ourselves)

Rescue House & La Mesa National Little League

As a California landlord, understanding security deposit laws is key to maintaining a successful rental property and avoiding tenant disputes. With recent changes to California Civil Code and new photo documentation requirements, now is a great time to revisit what landlords need to know about security deposits. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most frequently asked questions and new regulations taking effect.

Love where you live! These renter-friendly tips will help you create a home that's uniquely yours.

Our tips for being wildfire evacuation-ready & updates on California fire insurance plans.

We are overjoyed to announce the incredible success of our recent fundraiser for Mama’s Kitchen, a cherished San Diego nonprofit. Thanks to the generosity of our amazing community, we raised an impressive $7,000—and with a matching program, that total will be doubled to $14,000!

Celebrating Community and Compassion at the GMIA Walk Up Tranquility Property Management had the pleasure of participating in one of our favorite local traditions—the Grossmont Mt. Helix Improvement Association’s (GMIA) annual Walk Up to Mt. Helix. This beloved event brought together neighbors, friends, and furry companions for a scenic stroll to the summit of Mt. Helix, all in the spirit of community and support for some incredible organizations. Starting at the fire station lot on Vivera Drive in La Mesa, the morning was filled with camaraderie as walkers of all ages gathered to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views. But this year’s event was extra special, as it also marked the inauguration of Mt. Helix’s new mayor—Addie! Welcoming Mayor Addie The mayoral race leading up to this event was nothing short of heartwarming. As you might remember from our blog about the Mayor of Mt. Helix 2024 campaign, the mayoral competition is more than a fun community initiative—it’s a charitable effort to raise fun

Dear Internet, It’s me, Bacon, Tranquility CEO Aaron Duggan’s cat. I don’t usually get involved in the day-to-day of running this property management business, but I figured since you’re all so busy scurrying around this holiday season, maybe you could use a few tips from a professional in the art of relaxation. After all, I have a full-time job staying calm—and I do it with style. Nap often: There’s nothing like a quick snooze to reset your energy and attitude. A catnap can do wonders for your holiday mood. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a cozy spot and indulge in some paws-itively guilt-free rest. Explore, but keep it easy: Sure, I love to check out new things around the house (especially the decorations), but I pace myself. Try to enjoy the small stuff, and don’t feel like you have to do it all. Wander a bit, and take things at your own pace. Eat mindfully: I’m all about savoring my meals and enjoying treats slowly—because why rush the good stuff? This holiday season, focus on eating w