San Francisco, California · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026
San Francisco Tenant Rights: Rent Control, Evictions (2026)
What is different for renters in San Francisco compared with California state law: rent control, just cause for eviction, relocation payments and deposits. In plain English from official city sources.
Short answer
San Francisco's Rent Ordinance caps yearly rent increases at 1.6% (March 2026 to February 2027) for most units built before June 14, 1979. Most other rentals, including newer buildings, still need a 'just cause' to evict you, and no-fault evictions come with large relocation payments. Your landlord must also pay yearly interest on your deposit (4.2% for 2026-27), and the city funds free legal help for tenants who get eviction court papers.
- Rent control
- Yes: 1.6% cap (covered units)
- Just cause for eviction
- Required (city rule)
- Relocation payments
- In some cases
Rent control in San Francisco
- Who is covered
- Most rental units in buildings first built (certificate of occupancy) before June 14, 1979. Single-family homes and condos are usually exempt from the rent cap if you moved in on or after January 1, 1996 (they still have eviction protection). Newer buildings fall under state law (AB 1482) for rent caps.
- Allowed increase in 2026
- 1.6% for March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027 (1.4% for March 2025 to February 2026). One increase every 12 months. Landlords who skip a year can 'bank' increases and use them later.
- How to check if you are covered
- Look up the year your building was built on the San Francisco Property Information Map (sfplanninggis.org/pim), then confirm with a Rent Board counselor at (415) 252-4600 (weekdays 9 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm).
Rent increase calculator for San Francisco
Enter your monthly rent to see the most your landlord may raise it under the cap, and check a proposed new rent. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Just cause for eviction in San Francisco
- The rule
- Most tenants in San Francisco, including those in houses, condos and buildings built after 1979, can only be evicted for one of 17 'just causes' in the Rent Ordinance. At-fault causes include not paying rent, habitual late payment, breaking the lease after a chance to fix it, and nuisance. No-fault causes include owner or relative move-in (the owner must live there at least 36 months), Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition, condo conversion, and temporary capital-improvement work. You can generally replace departing roommates even if your lease says no. Every eviction notice must state the just cause and include Rent Board Form 1007, and except for non-payment of rent the landlord must file a copy with the Rent Board within 10 days of serving it.
Relocation payments in San Francisco
- The rule
- For notices served March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Owner or relative move-in, demolition or permanent removal, temporary capital improvement work (20+ days), or substantial rehab: $8,245 per tenant, up to $24,733 per unit, plus $5,497 for each tenant who is 60 or older or disabled, or for a household with minor children. Ellis Act evictions: $11,110.05 per tenant, up to $33,330.13 per unit, plus $7,443.90 for each tenant 62 or older or disabled. Temporary moves under 20 days: $446 per day per household plus actual moving costs.
Security deposits in San Francisco
Your landlord must pay you interest on your security deposit every year, at the rate set by the Rent Board: 4.2% for March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 (5.0% the year before). State law sets the deposit limit and return rules.
Repairs and complaints in San Francisco
Call 311 or contact the Department of Building Inspection (Housing Inspection Services) to request an inspection. If your landlord cuts services or fails to make repairs, you can file a petition with the Rent Board for a rent reduction (decrease in housing services). Rent Board counselors: (415) 252-4600.
Eviction protections in San Francisco
If you get eviction court papers (an unlawful detainer), call the city-funded Eviction Defense Collaborative right away for free legal help: (415) 659-9184, [email protected], or walk in at 976 Mission St. (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, 10-11:30 am and 1-2:30 pm). You have only 10 business days to respond to the court papers. Landlords must attach the city's Eviction Prevention Information notice to every termination notice, and must file most eviction notices with the Rent Board. Lockouts, utility shutoffs and harassment to push you out are illegal.
Other San Francisco rules
- Landlords may pass through half of the yearly Rent Board fee to you ($29.50 for tax year 2024-25, the latest listed), but not other surprise charges without Rent Board approval.
- Landlords can seek increases above the cap only through Rent Board petitions (for example, capital improvements), and you can contest them.
- Owners must report units to the Rent Board Housing Inventory every year by March 1. For a rent-controlled unit, an annual or banked rent increase notice is not enforceable unless the owner has the Rent Board's rent increase license on its effective date.
California law that also applies
City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.
- Deposit limit
- 1 month's rent (with exceptions)
- Deposit back within
- 21 days
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3 business days
- Notice before entry
- Reasonable (24 hours presumed)
- Rent increase notice
- Month-to-month: at least 30 days' written notice for an increase of 10% or less within 12 months; at least 90 days for more than 10% (add 5 days if mailed).
Where to get help in San Francisco
Free tools
These tools use California state law. San Francisco's rules above may give you more time or more money.
Deposit calculator
Check California's deadline to return your deposit.
Eviction notice timeline
See the dates under California law.
Repair request letter for California
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Questions about renting in San Francisco
Is there rent control in San Francisco?
Most rental units in buildings first built (certificate of occupancy) before June 14, 1979. Single-family homes and condos are usually exempt from the rent cap if you moved in on or after January 1, 1996 (they still have eviction protection). Newer buildings fall under state law (AB 1482) for rent caps.
How much can my rent go up in San Francisco in 2026?
1.6% for March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027 (1.4% for March 2025 to February 2026). One increase every 12 months. Landlords who skip a year can 'bank' increases and use them later.
Does my landlord need a reason to evict me in San Francisco?
Most tenants in San Francisco, including those in houses, condos and buildings built after 1979, can only be evicted for one of 17 'just causes' in the Rent Ordinance. At-fault causes include not paying rent, habitual late payment, breaking the lease after a chance to fix it, and nuisance. No-fault causes include owner or relative move-in (the owner must live there at least 36 months), Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition, condo conversion, and temporary capital-improvement work. You can generally replace departing roommates even if your lease says no. Every eviction notice must state the just cause and include Rent Board Form 1007, and except for non-payment of rent the landlord must file a copy with the Rent Board within 10 days of serving it.
What eviction protections does San Francisco have?
If you get eviction court papers (an unlawful detainer), call the city-funded Eviction Defense Collaborative right away for free legal help: (415) 659-9184, [email protected], or walk in at 976 Mission St. (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, 10-11:30 am and 1-2:30 pm). You have only 10 business days to respond to the court papers. Landlords must attach the city's Eviction Prevention Information notice to every termination notice, and must file most eviction notices with the Rent Board. Lockouts, utility shutoffs and harassment to push you out are illegal.
Do I get relocation money if I have to move out in San Francisco?
For notices served March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Owner or relative move-in, demolition or permanent removal, temporary capital improvement work (20+ days), or substantial rehab: $8,245 per tenant, up to $24,733 per unit, plus $5,497 for each tenant who is 60 or older or disabled, or for a household with minor children. Ellis Act evictions: $11,110.05 per tenant, up to $33,330.13 per unit, plus $7,443.90 for each tenant 62 or older or disabled. Temporary moves under 20 days: $446 per day per household plus actual moving costs.
Are there city rules on security deposits in San Francisco?
Your landlord must pay you interest on your security deposit every year, at the rate set by the Rent Board: 4.2% for March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 (5.0% the year before). State law sets the deposit limit and return rules.
- SF Rent Board — Current Rates (rent increase, relocation, security deposit interest)
- SF.gov — Learn about San Francisco rental laws
- SF.gov — Evictions in San Francisco
- SF Rent Board — Topic 202: General eviction notice requirements
- SF.gov — Get help if you might be evicted
- SF Rent Board — Housing Inventory
Last checked: Oct 2026.