San Francisco's Rent Ordinance lists a narrow set of no-fault eviction reasons including owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, capital improvements, and substantial rehabilitation. Each category triggers relocation payments and strict noticing rules under Chapter 37.
Administrative Code Chapter 37.9(a)(8)-(14), the heart of the 1979 Rent Ordinance, lists the only no-fault grounds landlords may invoke against rent-controlled tenants. These include owner or relative move-in, demolition, Ellis Act removal, capital improvements requiring vacancy, substantial rehabilitation, lead remediation, and condo conversion. Each category requires a specific notice form filed with the Rent Board, mandatory relocation payments under Section 37.9C, and a one-year prohibition on re-renting at higher rates. Owner move-in evictions face additional protections for elderly, disabled, and long-term tenants who can claim absolute defenses if the unit suits the owner's needs equally.
Wrongful no-fault evictions trigger treble damages, attorney's fees, statutory penalties up to $50,000, and Rent Board orders restoring tenancy at original rents.
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