John Shelton – San Diego Tenant Representation Broker
John Shelton – San Diego Tenant Representation Broker
John Shelton is a San Diego–based tenant-only commercial real estate broker (CA DRE Lic. #01316721) and founder of Shelton & Associates. This page refers to the commercial real estate broker and is not affiliated with the actor of the same name.
John Shelton is a San Diego tenant-only commercial real estate broker and the Founder of Shelton & Associates, a tenant-only commercial real estate brokerage. He represents office and industrial tenants in lease renewals, relocations, and purchase decisions. He represents office and industrial tenants in lease renewals, relocations, and purchase decisions, and exclusively advocates for tenants and never represents landlords throughout San Diego County and across California.
Based in San Diego, CA
John Shelton
Founder, Shelton & Associates
CA DRE Lic. #01316721
4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92122
Phone: 619-756-4700
Email: john@johnshelton.com
Who I Work With
I advise business owners, executives, and operations teams with commercial leases expiring in the next 6 to 24 months. Most clients engage me before responding to a landlord renewal proposal or committing to a relocation strategy.
Common situations include:
- Lease renewals where leverage is unclear
- Space no longer fitting headcount or operations
- Rising operating expenses or unfavorable lease language
- Comparing renewal versus relocation costs
Tenant Representation Services
I represent tenants exclusively in:
- Office lease renewals and renegotiations
- Industrial and warehouse leasing
- Relocations and market surveys
- Expansion or contraction planning
- Purchase versus lease analysis
- Operating expense and lease language review
I do not list buildings and do not represent ownership.
Why Tenant-Only Representation Matters
Most commercial brokers also represent landlords or list buildings. That structure can create conflicts of interest during negotiations.
Tenant-only representation keeps incentives aligned. Every recommendation is made from the tenant’s side of the table with a focus on rent, concessions, flexibility, and long-term protection.
In most cases, my fee is paid through the landlord’s broker fee structure, meaning there is typically no direct cost to the tenant.
San Diego Market Coverage
Based in San Diego, I advise tenants across San Diego County, including Mission Valley, UTC, Sorrento Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Miramar, Downtown San Diego, Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Valley, and surrounding submarkets.
I also assist tenants with multi-market requirements across Southern California and Northern California when needed.
How I Help Clients Create Leverage
Leverage is created early. I typically recommend starting renewal or relocation planning 12 to 18 months before lease expiration. This allows tenants to evaluate alternatives, compare true occupancy costs, and negotiate from a position of strength rather than urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you represent landlords?
No. I represent tenants only.
When should I start planning a lease renewal?
Ideally 12 to 18 months before lease expiration.
Do you handle both office and industrial space?
Yes. Office, industrial and warehouse space are core focus areas.
How are you paid?
In most transactions, the landlord’s broker pays the fee, so there is typically no direct cost to the tenant.
Do you only work in San Diego?
San Diego is my home market, but I advise tenants across California when required.
Copyright © 2026 Shelton & Associates | San Diego Tenant Representation - All Rights Reserved. John Shelton | CA DRE Lic. #01316721 • Shelton & Associates | CA DRE Lic. #02047139 | 4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122, US