San Francisco, California: Mayor Signs Two Tenant Protection Laws Setting an Eviction Arrears Threshold and Banning Hidden Rent Fees
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed two tenant protection laws on October 29 in the City and County of San Francisco, California, tightening the threshold for eviction over unpaid rent and requiring full disclosure of rental costs.
The ordinance authored by Supervisor Fielder sets an arrears threshold for eviction: a landlord may not evict a tenant for nonpayment until the amount owed reaches one month of the federal Fair Market Rent.
The "No Hidden Rent Fees" law, authored by Supervisor Mahmood, requires rental listings and leases to disclose the total monthly cost to the tenant. Fees not disclosed in advance may not be charged, and nonpayment of an undisclosed fee cannot be used as grounds for eviction. Both measures apply to rent-controlled and exempt units alike.
City figures put San Francisco's median rent for a one-bedroom apartment at nearly $4,500 a month. The current city budget includes $120 million for homelessness prevention and tenant legal services, plus a $100 million reserve against possible federal funding cuts. The city said the two laws are meant to let tenants see the true total price before signing, and to keep a temporary shortfall from immediately costing a tenant their home.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 旧金山市长丹尼尔·卢里（资料图）。Hayden Blaz 摄，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0。 / San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie (file photo). Photo by Hayden Blaz, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
