Amid Rising Evictions, SF Mayor Unveils Renter Protections

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Mayor Daniel Lurie unveiled a package of renter protections on Thursday aimed at curbing evictions and sudden rent increases.

According to a press release, the series of measures included six proposed ordinances and more than $30 million in investments to help renters from unfair evictions, prevent sudden rent spikes, and help San Franciscans with legal tools and information to exercise their rights.

The city plans to add $3 million to its Tenant Right to Counsel program that would give full-scope eviction representation to 400 households, the city said.

Meanwhile, tenants who are displaced under the Ellis Act would receive 25% more financial assistance, or nearly $3,000 more per person, to help cover the cost of finding a new home, Mayor Lurie's office noted.

The city also wants to prevent evictions when tenants are only slightly behind on rent. Under the proposal, a landlord could not evict someone for nonpayment unless the tenant owes at least one month of federally determined fair-market rent, city officials said.

Another $27 million would help about 650 extremely low-income households whose federal Emergency Housing Vouchers are set to expire at the end of 2026. The money would help keep them housed while they transition to other rental assistance.

Additionally, the city also said that it plans to make it easier for renters to report illegal landlord practices through the City Attorney's Office.

Finally, the city will spend $1 million on a "Know Your Rights" campaign to educate renters and landlords about housing laws, protections and responsibilities, with extra outreach to people most at risk of eviction, the mayor's office said.

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