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San Francisco, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Registration
Mandatory for all rent-controlled units
Fee Split
50/50 landlord-tenant
Agency
SF Rent Board
Database
Online searchable unit database
Penalty
Late fees and processing restrictions

Summary

All landlords with units subject to the Rent Ordinance must register with the San Francisco Rent Board and pay an annual fee per unit. The fee funds the Rent Board's operations including dispute resolution, counseling, and enforcement.

1947.12. (e) An owner shall provide notice of any increase in the rental rate, pursuant to subdivision (a), to each tenant in accordance with Section 827... (k) (1) An owner who demands, accepts, receives, or retains any payment of rent in excess of the maximum rent allowed by this section shall be liable in a civil action to the tenant from whom those payments are demanded for all of the following: (A) Injunctive relief. (B) Damages in the amount by which any payment exceeds the maximum allowable rent. (C) In the court's discretion, reasonable attorney's fees and costs. (D) Upon a showing that the owner has acted willfully or with oppression, fraud, or malice, damages up to three times the amount by which any payment exceeds the maximum allowable rent.

Source: SF Rent Board - RegistrationView official code

Full Breakdown

Registration is mandatory for all units covered by the Rent Ordinance. Landlords must file initial and annual registration forms with the Rent Board. The annual fee is set by the Board of Supervisors and is typically split 50/50 between landlord and tenant (landlord may pass through half to tenants as an operating expense). Failure to register does not exempt a unit from rent control protections. The Rent Board maintains a database of registered units that tenants can search online.

Violations & Fines

Failure to register and pay fees may result in late penalties and inability to process rent increase petitions. The Rent Board may assess back fees for unregistered units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my rental unit with the Rent Board?
Yes, all landlords with units subject to the Rent Ordinance must register with the SF Rent Board and pay an annual per-unit fee.
Can I pass the registration fee to my tenant?
Yes, landlords may pass through 50% of the annual Rent Board fee to tenants as an operating expense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationSome RestrictionsNo-Fault EvictionsSome RestrictionsAB-1482 Notice DisclosureSome RestrictionsRent Increase NoticeSome RestrictionsRepairs & HabitabilitySome RestrictionsRelocation AssistanceSignificant RestrictionsRent ControlSome RestrictionsTenant Anti-HarassmentSome RestrictionsJust Cause EvictionSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

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