tenancy lawyers in san francisco

The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. located in San Francisco, California, specializes in defending the rights of tenants. They provide comprehensive legal assistance to ensure that tenants are protected against unlawful evictions, rent disputes, and other related issues. With a dedicated team of experienced lawyers, they advocate passionately for fair treatment and justice in all tenant-landlord interactions.

About The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc.

Welcome to The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. your trusted legal partner advocating for tenant rights in San Francisco. With a deep commitment to justice and a wealth of experience in tenant law, our firm stands as a beacon of support for tenants facing housing challenges in the vibrant city.

San Francisco is not just a city; it’s a mosaic of diverse communities, cultures, and stories. With a population of over 800,000 residents, San Francisco thrives as a melting pot of creativity, innovation, and resilience. From the tech-savvy professionals of Silicon Valley to the artists and activists shaping the city’s cultural landscape, San Francisco embraces diversity in all its forms.

Our Services

At The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. we understand the complexities and challenges that tenants may encounter in San Francisco’s competitive housing market. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to protect and uphold the rights of tenants across the city. Our dedicated team of attorneys is here to provide expert guidance and representation in various areas of tenant law, including:

We help with:

FAQs

What rights do tenants have under San Francisco's rent control laws?

San Francisco’s rent control laws provide tenants with protections against unjust evictions and excessive rent increases. Tenants covered by rent control are entitled to certain rights, including the right to renew their lease and limitations on rent hikes.

How can I challenge an eviction notice?

If you believe you have been unfairly served with an eviction notice, it’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately. Our team can assess your situation, review the details of the eviction notice, and formulate a strategic defense to protect your rights as a tenant.

What should I do if my landlord refuses to make necessary repairs?

As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable living environment. If your landlord fails to address necessary repairs or maintenance issues, you may have legal recourse. Contact our firm to discuss your options and pursue appropriate action to compel your landlord to fulfill their obligations.

Can I break my lease early if I need to move out?

Breaking a lease can have legal and financial implications. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to negotiate with your landlord or seek legal advice to understand your options and potential consequences.

What should I do if I'm experiencing discrimination from my landlord or property manager?

Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, or disability is illegal. If you believe you’re experiencing discrimination, document the incidents and contact our firm immediately. We can help you understand your rights and take appropriate legal action to protect yourself.

San Francisco Eviction & Tenant Rights Laws

San Francisco has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country. Do you know which ones apply to you? Here’s a breakdown of the laws that safeguard renters in the city:

1. San Francisco Rent Ordinance / Rent Stabilization & Eviction Protections

The Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance (Chapter 37 of the SF Administrative Code) limits rent increases for covered properties and requires a “just cause” for eviction for all residential rental properties throughout the City.
Most buildings built on or before June 13, 1979, are covered for purposes of rent control protection, unless exempt (for example, single-family homes or newer construction).
Even if your unit isn’t covered locally for rent control, you may still have protection under California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which provides rent caps.
San Francisco uses vacancy decontrol, meaning landlords may raise rent to market rate once a tenant lawfully moves out.
Again, the eviction protections under the San Francisco Rent Ordinance (as well as the harassment provisions) apply to all residential rental units regardless of the age of when they were built.

2. Just Cause Eviction: Grounds & Limits

Did your landlord give you an eviction notice? They must have a valid legal reason — known as “just cause.” These are divided into fault (when the tenant violates the lease or rules) or no-fault (when the landlord can still recover possession when the tenant has not done anything wrong)

Examples of a fault eviction include:

Nonpayment of rent
Breaking the lease
Causing serious damage

Examples of a no-fault eviction include:

Owner move-in
Ellis Act withdrawal
Major renovations, demolition, or condo conversion

When a landlord evicts for a no-fault reason (like owner move-in or Ellis Act), they must pay relocation assistance.

Certain renters — such as seniors, people with disabilities, and long-term tenants — are “protected tenants” and receive extra safeguards for certain evictions. For example, a landlord cannot carry out a no-fault eviction for a condo conversion if the tenant is protected.

3. Rent Increases & Caps

Can your landlord raise your rent by any amount? Not in San Francisco.

Under the Rent Ordinance, annual increases are tied to inflation (CPI) and subject to a strict cap.
Landlords may request small “pass-through” increases for things like capital improvements or operating cost changes.
Under AB 1482, buildings not covered by local rent control can only increase rent by 5% + local CPI, up to 10% total.

Each year, the city posts the official allowable rent increase — for example, 1.7% for 2024–2025.

4. Habitability, Repairs & Retaliation Protections

What if your home isn’t safe or properly maintained?

Tenants have the right to a habitable home — one that meets basic health and safety standards (heat, plumbing, weatherproofing, pest control, etc.).
Landlords must maintain their property under California Civil Code §§ 1941–1942 and local housing codes.
If serious issues aren’t fixed, tenants can use remedies such as repair and deduct, rent withholding, or filing a complaint with city agencies.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising these rights — such as by raising rent or filing eviction notices within six months of a complaint.
If official code violations exist, landlords may not evict for nonpayment or raise rent until all violations are corrected (with a 35-day grace period).

5. Ellis Act and Withdrawal from Rental Market

The Ellis Act allows landlords to remove rental units from the market permanently, but tenants still have rights.

In San Francisco, landlords must provide relocation payments to tenants forced to move under the Ellis Act.
The payment amount increases each year with inflation and includes additional compensation for elderly or disabled tenants.
The landlord must provide a minimum notice of 120 days of their intent to remove the rental, and this may be extended for one year for senior and disabled tenants.
An Ellis Act eviction applies to all residential rental units in the building (unless a condominium unit). The property is encumbered, and there are restrictions placed on the entire building regarding re-rental, which passes to new ownership if the building is sold.

6. Anti-Circumvention / Eviction Harassment Protections

Feeling pressured to move out? That may be harassment — and it’s illegal.

San Francisco’s Administrative Code § 37.9F bans landlords from using lies, threats, or pressure to make tenants leave their homes.
All landlord notices must be truthful and in good faith, with proper disclosures.

If these rules aren’t followed, tenants can use the violations as a defense in eviction court.