Rent control rules in San Francisco, CA β also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances β 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.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.