Supervisor Chen introduces citywide tenant-protection ordinance to limit displacement from demolition

Supervisor Chen introduced a residential tenant-protections ordinance on Sept. 9 that would expand rights for tenants facing displacement when landlords or developers pursue demolition of tenant-occupied properties. The ordinance is citywide and was presented as a proactive response to increases in redevelopment pressure and new state laws affecting demolition and redevelopment.

Key provisions described by the sponsor include: extensive tenant notification in multiple languages at every entitlement step; relocation assistance for all displaced tenants with additional aid for lower-income tenants; a required relocation plan and a relocation specialist to help implement protections; a guarantee that tenants may remain in place for at least six months after notice with time-specific notification; a right to return at the prior rental rate if demolition does not proceed and units return to the market; a right of first refusal for lower-income tenants to move into newly developed units at either the new rent or an affordable rent, whichever is lower; full replacement of protected units with a combination of rent-controlled and below-market-rate units in redeveloped buildings; and additional tools to stop tenant harassment before displacement occurs.

Chen said the ordinance was informed by tenant counselors, lawyers and advocates and credited the Race and Equity in All Planning coalition and the San Francisco Anti-Displacement Coalition for assistance drafting the measure. She also thanked the Planning Department, Rent Board and City Attorney’s Office for input and named Supervisors Fielder, Walton, Chen and Dorsey as co-sponsors.

Why it matters: If enacted, the ordinance would create a municipal framework to reduce demolition-driven displacement in the city by requiring developer obligations, tenant supports and enforcement mechanisms. The measure responds to residents’ concerns that redevelopment tools combined with state law and incentives could accelerate loss of rent-controlled housing.

Next steps: The ordinance was introduced to the full board; it will proceed through the normal committee referrals and hearings before any final vote.