San Francisco, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Coverage
- Most units in pre-June 1979 buildings
- Annual Increase
- 1.4% (March 2025-Feb 2026)
- Calculation
- 60% of Bay Area CPI
- Enforcement
- SF Rent Board
- Exemptions
- Single-family homes, post-1979 buildings
Summary
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.
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase... (2) The gross rental rate for the unit shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period... (d) This section shall not apply to: ... (4) Housing that has been issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years, unless the housing is a mobilehome.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my rental unit covered by rent control?
How much can my landlord raise my rent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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