San Francisco Rent Board: Your 2025 Guide to Rent Control, Evictions, and Tenant Rights

 

San Francisco’s real estate market is complex and highly regulated. Therefore, property owners, renters, and investors must understand the SF Rent Board. Indeed, this knowledge is essential to protect your rights and your investment.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know. Specifically, we cover the Rent Board’s purpose, rent control rules, and eviction laws.

 

What Is the SF Rent Board and What Does It Do?

To begin, the San Francisco Rent Board is the city agency that manages the Rent Ordinance. Essentially, its main goal is to balance the needs of tenants and landlords. In practice, it does this by providing information, clear rules, and dispute resolution.

Key services from the Rent Board include:

• First, it offers counseling to both tenants and landlords about their rights.
• Second, it sets the official rent increase limit each year.
• In addition, it provides mediation and hearings to solve disagreements.
• Finally, it gives everyone access to required legal forms and notices.

Ultimately, the Rent Board is a vital resource. For example, it protects tenants from illegal rent hikes and evictions. At the same time, it gives landlords clear rules to follow.

 

Is My Unit Covered by SF Rent Control?

Not all rental units in San Francisco have rent control. In fact, coverage mostly depends on when the building was built.

Generally, most residential buildings built before June 13, 1979, are covered.

On the other hand, several types of units are not covered. For instance, newer buildings built after June 13, 1979, are usually exempt. Also, single-family homes and condominiums are typically not covered. Likewise, government-subsidized housing is exempt.

However, it’s important to note this. A unit may not have rent control, but all rental units in San Francisco still have “just cause” eviction protection.

 

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in San Francisco?

To be clear, for units with rent control, landlords can raise the rent only once per year. Furthermore, the increase must not exceed the annual rate set by the Rent Board.

• For example, the rate from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, is 1.7%.

Thus, to legally raise the rent, a landlord must follow several steps. First, they must give proper written notice. Next, they must stay within the annual increase limit. Finally, they must follow all Rent Board rules.

Additionally, landlords can petition to pass through costs for major upgrades. However, these petitions require specific approval from the Rent Board.

 

Understanding “Just Cause” Eviction in San Francisco

Crucially, in San Francisco, a landlord must have a legally valid reason to evict a tenant. This is known as a “just cause.” Specifically, there are 16 official just causes. Moreover, these are split into two types: “for-fault” and “no-fault.”

Common just causes include:

• The tenant fails to pay rent.
• The tenant breaks the lease agreement.
• The owner or a relative plans to move in (Owner Move-In).
• The owner is taking the property off the rental market (Ellis Act).

Furthermore, for “no-fault” evictions, like an Owner Move-In, landlords must pay the tenant a large relocation fee.

 

What Are My Rights as a Tenant in San Francisco?

On the other hand, tenants in San Francisco have many rights under the Rent Ordinance. For instance, these protections include safety from illegal rent increases and the right to a livable home. In addition, tenants have the ability to file a petition with the Rent Board and access free counseling.

 

What Are My Responsibilities as a Landlord?

Of course, landlords also have legal duties. Above all, they must follow the Rent Ordinance and all housing codes. Key responsibilities include registering all units and keeping the property safe. Also, they must use correct legal forms for all official actions.

As a result, not following these rules can lead to tenant lawsuits, rent reductions, and other penalties.

 

How to Use the Rent Board’s Resources

Fortunately, the Rent Board offers many helpful services. You can access them in several ways.

• First, you can visit the website at [Link to the official SF Rent Board website].
• Then, you can call a counselor for free advice.
• Also, you can visit their office in person for help.

 

Expert Guidance for SF Property Owners & Investors

These regulations are complex. Consequently, navigating them can feel like a full-time job. That is where Ms. San Francisco Real Estate can help. Specifically, we specialize in helping owners and investors manage these challenges.

Therefore, don’t let complex rules risk your investment. In other words, we provide the expert guidance you need to stay compliant and protect your property’s value. So, contact Ms. San Francisco Real Estate today for a consultation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. How do I contact the SF Rent Board?

For starters, you can visit their official website. Alternatively, you can call their hotline at (415) 252-4600 or go to their office at 25 Van Ness Avenue.

 

2. What is the difference between rent control and eviction protection?

Rent control limits how much rent can be increased. Meanwhile, eviction protection means a landlord needs a valid reason to evict. For this reason, many buildings without rent control still have eviction protection.

 

3. Can my landlord evict me just to sell the property?

No. In short, selling a building is not a just cause for eviction in San Francisco. Instead, the new owner simply takes over your lease.

 

4. How do I file a petition with the Rent Board?

First, download the correct form from the Rent Board website. Then, you can submit it online, by mail, or in person. Of course, your petition should clearly explain the problem and include any proof you have.

 

5. What is an “unlawful detainer”?

Essentially, an unlawful detainer (UD) is the official name for an eviction lawsuit. A landlord must win a UD in court. Otherwise, they cannot legally force a tenant to move out.