Rent control rules in San Francisco, CA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
San Francisco's Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance (Administrative Code Chapter 37) applies to most rental units built before June 13, 1979. Annual rent increases are limited to a percentage set by the Rent Board, which was 1.4% for March 2025 through February 2026.
Rent control covers most units in buildings with 2+ units built before June 1979. Single-family homes and condos are exempt from rent increase limits but subject to just cause eviction protections. The allowable annual increase is based on 60% of the Bay Area CPI. Landlords may petition for additional increases based on operating cost increases or capital improvements. The Rent Board administers the program and resolves disputes. Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act limits rent control to pre-1979 buildings and allows vacancy decontrol.
Charging rent above the allowable amount is a violation of the Rent Ordinance. Tenants may file petitions with the Rent Board for excess rent recovery. Landlords face penalties including treble damages for willful overcharges.
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See how San Francisco's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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