Like many other cities in the greater Bay Area, San Francisco has a local ordinance in place both to control rent increases and to offer eviction protection.
According to the local government’s website, the San Francisco Rent Ordinance applies to certain residential rentals. The Ordinance does not apply to commercial rentals.
Even for residential rentals, it is important for landlords and tenants alike to check to see if the Ordinance applies. Many units, including any until built after June 13, 1979, are not subject to rent control. Some renters may not even have eviction protections under the Ordinance.
Basically, where it applies, the Ordinance limits landlords only to evicting for listed reasons. The Ordinance also restricts how much a landlord can increase rent each year. As of February 2025, the allowed increase is 1.7% unless the landlord can qualify for an exception.
Other cities in the Bay Area also have rent and eviction control ordinances in place. It is important for landlords and tenants to check the laws of their community.
Evictions and even rent increases can be complicated procedures
Also, parties need to understand that other considerations apply with respect to evictions or rent increases. For example, both landlords and tenants alike must follow the terms of any lease. This applies both to residential leases and commercial leases.
The parties also should review their rights and responsibilities under California law. Even federal rules, especially rules covering fair housing and non-discrimination, can come into play.
From the perspective of a landlord, not paying careful attention to the complexities of rent and eviction can lead to costly legal disputes and, possibly, government fines and penalties as well as civil liability. A tenant, on the other hand, cannot protect rights that they do not realize they have.
All sides in an eviction or rent dispute need to make sure that they know their rights and options.