Supervisors advance ordinance extending just-cause eviction protections to post-1979 units

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on first reading Dec. 10 to amend the Administrative Code and the local Rent Ordinance to extend eviction protections to rental units that had been exempt because they first received certificates of occupancy after June 13, 1979 or underwent substantial rehabilitation.

Policy details: The ordinance would apply just-cause eviction protections and relocation assistance requirements to newer units and to tenants in single-family homes and recently rehabilitated buildings. The measure builds on state law (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) and seeks to close gaps by giving local protections beyond the new statewide baseline.

Proponents' case: Supervisor Hillary Ronen and sponsor Supervisor Matt Haney said the change addresses inequities in the 40-year-old local rent ordinance and aims to protect tenants in newer buildings who report increasing threats of eviction. Supporters cited tenant advocates and anti-displacement groups, saying the expansion is the largest widening of eviction protections in the city in decades.

Concerns raised: Some supervisors urged that the city also invest in outreach and education for small property owners, who may be immigrants or limited-English speakers, to avoid unintended evictions stemming from confusion over new rules. Those comments were recorded by Supervisor Mar, who said she would work on culturally competent implementation during the budget process.

Next steps and outcome: The ordinance passed on first reading unanimously and will return for a second reading and final adoption. Sponsors said the Rent Board will be tasked with implementing some aspects, and additional funding for outreach could be addressed in the next budget cycle.