San Francisco committee approves reenactment of COVID-19 rent increase prohibition

The San Francisco Land Use and Transportation Committee convened on August 24, 2020, to discuss a critical measure aimed at protecting renters during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting, held remotely due to health safety protocols, focused primarily on the reenactment of an emergency ordinance that temporarily prohibits rent increases.

Chair Aaron Peskin and committee member Supervisor Dean Preston led the session, which was attended by members via video conference. The ordinance, originally passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, is set for a 60-day reenactment to continue safeguarding tenants from potential rent hikes during the health crisis.

During the meeting, public comments were invited, but no callers expressed concerns or support for the measure. Supervisor Safae raised an important issue regarding reports from constituents who received notices of rent increases from landlords. In response, Peskin clarified that while landlords may send such notices, any rent increase would not take effect until after the ordinance is lifted. He urged anyone facing illegal rent increases to contact the Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board for assistance.

The committee unanimously voted to forward the ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors for further consideration, reinforcing the city's commitment to tenant protections amid the pandemic. The measure is expected to appear on the Board's agenda on September 1, 2020. The meeting concluded without additional agenda items, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing housing crisis in San Francisco.