San Francisco has some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation. Whether you're dealing with a negligent landlord, facing an eviction threat, or just want to know your rights before signing a lease, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Key Resources
Rent Control Rights
Most SF apartments built before June 13, 1979 are covered by rent control. If you live in a rent-controlled unit, you have:
- Capped annual rent increases — Typically 60% of the regional CPI (around 2-3% per year)
- Just cause eviction protection — Landlord needs a valid legal reason to evict you
- Right to petition — Challenge illegal rent increases at the Rent Board
- No arbitrary lease termination — You can stay as long as you pay rent and follow the lease
Read our complete rent control guide →
Your Right to Repairs
Under California's implied warranty of habitability, landlords must maintain rental units in livable condition. This includes:
- Weatherproofing — Walls, roof, windows, doors
- Plumbing — Hot and cold running water, working toilets
- Heating — Adequate heating facilities
- Electricity — Working electrical systems
- Cleanliness — Building and grounds kept clean and sanitary
- Pest control — Freedom from rodents and vermin
- Safety — Working smoke detectors, secure locks
How to Get Repairs Done
- Notify your landlord in writing — Email or letter, keep copies
- Give reasonable time — 30 days for non-urgent, 24 hours for emergencies
- Document everything — Photos, videos, written records
- File a complaint with the city — If landlord doesn't respond
- Consider "repair and deduct" — For serious issues, you may be able to fix and deduct from rent (consult a lawyer first)
Just Cause Eviction Protections
In San Francisco, landlords cannot evict rent-controlled tenants without a just cause reason. Valid reasons include:
Just Cause Eviction Reasons
- • Non-payment of rent
- • Breach of lease terms
- • Nuisance or illegal activity
- • Refusing reasonable access for repairs
- • Owner move-in (with restrictions)
- • Ellis Act withdrawal from rental market
- • Capital improvements
- • Demolition (with permits)
Illegal Eviction Tactics
- • Changing locks without court order
- • Turning off utilities
- • Removing doors or windows
- • Harassment to force you out
- • Threats or intimidation
If this happens to you, call the SF Tenants Union immediately at (415) 282-6622.
The Legal Eviction Process
3-day notice for non-payment; 3-day notice for lease violations; 30/60-day notice for no-fault evictions
Landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in Superior Court
Official court papers delivered to you — you have 5 days to respond
You have the right to appear and defend yourself in court
Only a judge can order eviction — landlords cannot force you out
Only the Sheriff can physically remove you (with court order)
This process takes weeks to months. Get free help from the SF Tenants Union at (415) 282-6622.
Ellis Act Evictions
The Ellis Act allows landlords to evict all tenants to "go out of the rental business." If you receive an Ellis Act notice:
- 120-day notice required — Or 1 year for seniors/disabled
- Relocation payments — You're entitled to moving costs
- Right of first refusal — If units return to market within 10 years
- Re-rental restrictions — Landlord can't re-rent for 5 years
Read our complete Ellis Act guide →
Security Deposit Rights
California law protects your security deposit:
- Maximum deposit — 2 months for unfurnished, 3 months for furnished
- Return timeline — Within 21 days of move-out
- Itemized deductions — Landlord must provide detailed statement
- Normal wear and tear — Cannot be deducted from deposit
Read our complete security deposit guide →
Protection from Harassment
Tenant harassment is illegal in San Francisco. Harassment includes:
- Repeated threats to evict without legal basis
- Interrupting essential services
- Entering your apartment without proper notice
- Removing or damaging your property
- Excessive, unnecessary construction
- Repeated buyout offers after you've declined
- Refusing to accept rent payments
Document all harassment and report it to the SF Rent Board and Tenants Union.
How to File Complaints
Where to File Complaints
Rent control violations, illegal rent increases, wrongful evictions. (415) 252-4600
Housing code violations, unsafe conditions. File at sfdbi.org
Deposit disputes up to $12,500. No lawyer required.
Discrimination complaints. Contact HUD or local fair housing agencies.
Free Legal Help
San Francisco offers free legal assistance to tenants:
- SF Tenants Union — (415) 282-6622 — Counseling, organizing, referrals
- Housing Rights Committee — (415) 703-8644 — Free tenant counseling
- Asian Law Caucus — (415) 896-1701 — Legal services for Asian communities
- Bay Area Legal Aid — (415) 982-1300 — Free legal help for low-income
- Tenderloin Housing Clinic — (415) 771-9850 — SRO and low-income housing