San Diego Property Management

Trust. Relationships. Shared Goals.
Good Tenants. Excellent Results!
Owner/InvestorsCurrent/Prospective Residents

36 Years of Valuable Experience & Dedication. Intangibles That Cannot Be Duplicated.

Whether you own one unit or dozens, Cal-Prop’s deep expertise, personalized approach, and time-tested tools enable you to operate your property like a real estate professional and have the time to enjoy your life. Owner Rick Thornton has a portfolio of over 100k square feet of income property bringing a much needed ownership perspective to property management.

Why Choose Us

Cal-Prop Management was established in 1987 to revolutionize the property management experience in San Diego. We are distinguished from our competition by:

Steady Cash Flow

We will bring you steady cash flow you can depend on.  Our team of professionals bring you the best property management and maintenance services to ensure high ROI and 100% tenant retention.

Dedicated Team

Your dedicated property management team is at your disposal with a single point  of contact responsible for your property.  Your Vice President coordinates your team – Property Manager, Assistant Property Manager, Maintenance Director, Maintenance Coordinator and our Technicians – ensuring efficient unit turns, leasing, renovations, and repairs.

First-rate Customer Service

Everything is online, but we answer the phone faster and better than any of our competitors.

Quick Turns with High Quality Tenants

Our proprietary tenant screening process, quick turn practices, and an all hands-on deck approach gives us an advantage to find, qualify and close the best tenants.

Fast and Affordable Property Maintenance

We are pros at tackling major issues such as mold, mainlines and floods and bringing fast, cost effective results.  For example, any mainline replacement is 75-80% of the cost of a typical plumbing contractor. Our in-house team aim to give you better pricing and faster service to minimize vacancy and turnover time while ensuring 100% resident satisfaction.

Click here to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your goals.

Call or email to consult, investigate and discuss.

Graham Thornton
graham@cal-prop.com
858-768-4311

Our Current Portfolio of
Satisfied Owner/Investors

Looking for a property management team you can trust? We’re here to provide dependable, personalized service for San Diego homeowners and investors.

Actively Managed

Owners

Individual Homes and Condominiums

Owner Testimonials

“I have worked with Cal-Prop for the management of my rental property in San Diego for the last 6 years and have been very satisfied with both their service and responsiveness. As a homeowner with an equity property, they certainly make it a hassle free experience and everyone I have worked with has been very accommodating and professional. I would highly recommend Cal-Prop!”

-Alison Lesser

“Cal-Prop is absolutely outstanding. The rental property world is fraught with uncertainty and risks on both the owner and renter sides. The professionalism, courtesy, advice, guidance and explanation of financial matters were impeccably expert and always delivered in a timely fashion. Their management is likewise highly responsive. Very enthusiastic 10 out 10 (A#1 +++ rating).”

-Konrad Moore

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the service Cal-Prop provided. He took all the worry and frustration out of renting my condo AND got a great tenant within 2 weeks! I would gladly recommend Lance to anyone looking for a professional property management to assist with their rental. Thank you so much Cal-Prop!”

-Kelly Kelleher

“We have been extremely pleased to have Cal-Prop manage our 8 unit apartment in San Diego for several years. Cal-Prop President Rick Thornton managed an extensive construction and building upgrade for us. The property has been maintained in good condition and the rents were kept in good accord with market values. We recommend Cal-Prop highly.”

-Thomas O’Brien

For Renters

Cal-Prop Management provides a seamless rental experience for renters that makes their stay easy and comfortable. All our rentals are best-priced, well-kept, and most desirable in the vicinity.

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Areas We Serve

San Diego
Chula Vista
Del Mar
El Cajon
Encinitas
Golden Hill
Hillcrest
Kensington
La Jolla
La Mesa
Mira Mesa

Mission Beach
Mission Hills
Mission Valley
Normal Heights
North Park
Ocean Beach
Oceanside
Pacific Beach
Point Loma
Spring Valley
University City

What People Are Saying About Us

Google
1.0/5
Jul 17, 2025
Google - Courtney Leer - Cal-Prop Management
I applied for an apartment through Cal Prop (7/1/2025) and had a terrible experience from start to finish. After submitting my application and $40 fee, I was never able to get in touch with any leasing agents — no one answered calls, emails went unanswered, and the voicemail inbox was full. Eventually, I realized the apartment was taken off the market without any notice. When I called to request a refund of my $40 application fee (which should automatically be refunded if not used), the office told me, “we don’t do app refunds.” That’s simply not legal. Under California law, if they don’t provide an itemized receipt showing they actually used your fee (for a credit report, background check, etc.), they are required to refund it. After going back and forth with someone named Kurt Do, he finally said, “OK, I’ll submit you for a refund,” but acted like he was doing me a favor. It’s not a favor — it’s the law. This company operates with a lack of transparency and accountability. Be very cautious with Cal Prop — I honestly question whether they’re just pocketing application fees without properly processing them.
Google
2.0/5
Jun 24, 2025
Google - jesse de leon - Cal-Prop Management
We've had 3 different property managers in less than 3 years. They have all been pretty useless. The repair guys are cool/fast though. Raising rents with less service.
Google
5.0/5
Jun 23, 2025
Google - Gabriela León - Cal-Prop Management
Muchas gracias Jacqueline por enviarme el servicio de mantenimiento, nos atendió el señor Francisco García, quien nos ha dado muy buen servicio en lo que hace, en otra ocasión también vino y resolvió muy rápido el problema en el departamento, ojalá nos puedas enviar a él mismo para futuras ocasiones. Gracias
Google
5.0/5
Jun 17, 2025
Google - Jax Mikkelsen - Cal-Prop Management
Hobie has been my property manager for about 3 years now in San Diego, and he has always been very responsive and helpful for my roommates and I. Any issues or service request have been dealt with quickly and easily!
Google
5.0/5
Jun 14, 2025
Google - nancy gafney - Cal-Prop Management
Very happy with Cal-prop as my management company.When necessary, they find new tenants quickly, take care of all the cleanup or repairs needed. Make it fair for me as property owner and exiting tenant. Bring in income for me at fair market price. Respond to my calls or text as promptly as possible.Thank you Melissa!
Google
5.0/5
Jun 12, 2025
Google - Rafa Vick - Cal-Prop Management
This is home for sure great company amazing properties and employees
Google
1.0/5
Jun 7, 2025
Google - Lisa Lazarus - Cal-Prop Management
June 2025 update: Apparently Cal Prop is contacting past tenant and offering "compensation" to remove bad reviews. what do you think of that? I have rented from Cal-Prop for over 5 years but lived in my place for over 15 years. In March/April of this year 2020, during the pandemic, they decided to up our rent to "current market value". I called the office and got no response. The story made the CBS news. It was not until after the story aired that they answered the phone. They said it was a "mistake" and would not be upping the rent. They are ONLY about the money. We have a washer and dryer in the unit. Instead of fixing it when it was broken, they sent us a letter saying they no longer maintain the washer dryer and dish washer. If they cease to operate they will haul them away. Gee thanks Cow Poop for taking away 2 of the best appliances in this place. The carpet is over 20 years old. I asked if they would at least split the cost and I got a hard NO. I think its inhuman to ask us to pay what we pay and live in a dirty run down apartment. In 2019 they raised the rent 3 times. They were trying to price gouge before the rent control went into effect. What they were doing was illegal so the last rent hike was canceled. Although we did not get a refund for what we already paid. They SUCK. Stay away!
Google
5.0/5
Jun 6, 2025
Google - Robert Lacy - Cal-Prop Management
I have been managed by Cal-prop for 4 years. Hobie and Tamara have been super responsive and addressed any issues I had quickly and fairly. I really appreciate the support.
Google
1.0/5
Jun 2, 2025
Google - Shruti Singh - Cal-Prop Management
This was by far the worst experience I've ever had with property management. They were dishonest, unreliable, and consistently went back on their word. Living at their property was a nightmare. When I first moved in, there was no cold water. Despite multiple complaints, it took them ages to fix the issue. After returning from a month-long trip, I found that while I was away a maintenance worker from Cal Prop turned on the heat building-wide, causing my apartment to overheat dangerously—my place was nearly uninhabitable. The excessive heat also led to a huge spike in my electricity bill, but they flat-out refused to take any responsibility. The worst part, though, was dealing with a neighbor who constantly harassed me. Management initially promised to let me break my lease and get my deposit back. But when I decided to take them up on that offer, a new manager had taken over and denied any knowledge of the agreement. I was forced to finish out my lease, and despite the fact that I was moving out due to harassment, they made no effort to compensate me or return my full deposit. This company is heartless, unprofessional, and exploitative. I’m just relieved to be out of there. Avoid at all costs.
Google
5.0/5
Nov 18, 2024
Google - Linda Paris - Cal-Prop Management
Melissa Young is my Cal prop manager. She is the most responsible, supportive, and capable teammate I could ever hope for. She handled my home, At 39 4 East Moss St. in Chula Vista, had it upgraded, updated in a very quick Turnover. She has become a supportive friend who always keeps me updated as needed. She is such an asset to your company. I appreciate her more than I can tell you.
Google
5.0/5
Nov 15, 2024
Google - Haily Morejon - Cal-Prop Management
Cate, Eric, and Melissa were very professional and prompt. The process for setting an appointment to view the property was quick and Cate was on time and did a great job showing the property. All three were available to answer any of my questions.
Google
5.0/5
Nov 14, 2024
Google - Gigi R - Cal-Prop Management
We could not say enough about Tyler’s professional and meticulous workmanship. We had issues with a couple of faucets. He was very courteous and explained the plumbing issues and fixed everything beautifully all in one visit. If we could give him 10 stars we would. Thanks Tyler!
Google
5.0/5
Nov 13, 2024
Google - Wendy Najera - Cal-Prop Management
My boyfriend & I worked with Catherine with Cal Prop Management and everything was super quick and easy! She was extremely helpful, we told her we were in a rush to secure a living space and within 24 hours she toured us, helped us apply and got us the keys. Thank you Catherine! We love our new home
Google
5.0/5
Nov 5, 2024
Google - Paul Smith - Cal-Prop Management
Eric from the management office is extremely efficient when assisting with concerns in the unit I stay in. Excellent customer service.
Google
4.0/5
Nov 4, 2024
Google - Francisco Albrecht - Cal-Prop Management
Cal Prop is not perfect. We are very happy when they send Tyler as our maintenance guy! He knows what is he doing, has great communication with customers and always find the best solutions for our problems.
Google
5.0/5
Oct 31, 2024
Google - myrna contreras - Cal-Prop Management
I recently had the pleasure of working with Catherine and Eric and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the moment I contacted them, they were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely eager to help me find the perfect rental for my needs. I am so happy with the apartment and the rental process was seamless!! What truly set Catherine and Eric apart was their attention to detail. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, making my experience truly memorable. Thank you, Cal Prop!
Google
5.0/5
Oct 30, 2024
Google - Salvation Is Free - Cal-Prop Management
Hi, Eric. It Sal from Trojan. I left you 5 stars from my Google contact account. Thanks for helping me coordinate with Marcus re: Nov. You're continued work & effort remains exemplary. Have a fun & safe Halloween!
Google
5.0/5
Oct 27, 2024
Google - James Nicolette - Cal-Prop Management
I have been using Cal-Prop Since 1990. They have always been responsive and addressed any questions I had. When work is needed on my buildings, they attend to it quickly. In addition, they follow-up with making sure the work is done correctly. Many times, they have gone above and beyond the scope of our contract. They have integrity. I would recommend them to anyone.
Google
5.0/5
Oct 25, 2024
Google - Gary Funk - Cal-Prop Management
Google
5.0/5
Oct 25, 2024
Google - Mary McCurdy - Cal-Prop Management
Tyler from the maintenance team was awesome! Super communicative and friendly and completed all maintenance requests in a timely manner, leaving our home looking better than ever. Thanks Tyler!