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Commuter Students: How to be a Responsible Neighbor and Tenant

Read guidelines for being a good neighbor if you live off campus, and learn about the San Diego Police Department's CAPP program.

Follow these tips to be a responsible tenant and neighbor, and avoid conflicts with neighbors or legal action:

  • Pay your rent on time. If you cannot pay when the rent is due, contact your landlord to explain the situation, and give a date when you can pay.
  • Inform the property manager when anything needs to be repaired. It is best to hand-deliver a request in writing with a witness, or send it by certified mail. (Remember to keep a copy for yourself.) Keep accurate, organized records of all requests and transactions between you and your landlord.
  • Obey the laws of your neighborhood and apartment complex. Every neighborhood is different. Make sure you understand any rules set by a homeowner's association in your area. If you fail to comply with its policies, you might be subject to a lawsuit.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Understand that neighbors who are not college students may not be on a student schedule.
  • Notify your neighbors if you plan to have a gathering. They may respond better if you have built a relationship and given them notice.
  • Avoid hosting social functions that may cause problems with neighbors or that may cause your house to be "CAPPed."
  • Do not engage in, or allow, any illegal activity.

Community Assisted Party Program: Don't get CAPPed

The San Diego Police Department sponsors the Community Assisted Party Program (CAPP) to curb nuisance behavior at chronic party houses. If your residence receives a CAPP designation, officers will show zero tolerance when responding to all future party calls, which may result in direct enforcement such as:

  • Arrests
  • Citations
  • Property or vehicle impounds
  • Sobriety checks

A house can be CAPPed for several reasons, including:

  • Illegal parking
  • Increased traffic
  • Littering
  • Loud and unreasonable noise
  • Public drunkenness
  • Underage drinking

Your neighbors can contact the San Diego CAPP coordinator to report your address when there is a violation. Your house will be CAPPed if:

  • There are 2 calls within 30 days
  • Officers make a citation or arrest when responding to a party call

If your house is CAPPed, it will remain on the CAPP list for 1 year, regardless of occupant changes.

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