Supervisor Peskin introduces ordinance to extend rent control automatically if state law changes

Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced an ordinance on Sept. 10 designed to expand rent control protections automatically if state preemption is lifted. The ordinance, Peskin said, would apply to multifamily buildings in the city and county of San Francisco built on or before Nov. 5, 2024, and would take effect if the state-level preemption known as the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act is lifted.

"This ordinance will guarantee that rent control will be expanded to all renters in multifamily buildings in the city and county of San Francisco built as of 11/05/2024 and will go into effect automatically when state preemption known as the Costa Hawkins Act is lifted," Peskin said. He thanked Supervisor Preston and early cosponsors for their work on the measure.

Peskin framed the ordinance as protecting roughly "a hundred thousand San Francisco renters" who currently lack rent-control protections because of the state law. He emphasized the measure does not affect new housing construction: "This law intentionally does not affect new housing development whatsoever," he said. He also linked the local measure to a statewide ballot initiative he referred to as the Justice For Renters Act (referred to in the meeting as Proposition 33) that he said could remove the state preemption as soon as this year.

The ordinance was introduced at the meeting; Peskin said it is scheduled for a vote at a future board meeting. No formal amendments or votes on final adoption occurred during the Sept. 10 session.

Because the ordinance’s effect depends on a change in state law, its effective date and practical scope will hinge on the outcome of the statewide ballot measure and any implementing actions the board subsequently takes.