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Board passes eviction‑diversion ordinance requiring 10‑day notice before certain three‑day notices
Summary
The Board voted unanimously on first reading to require landlords to provide tenants a 10‑day written warning and opportunity to cure certain lease violations before serving a three‑day eviction notice, exempting imminent health/safety and COVID‑rental‑debt nonpayment scenarios.
San Francisco — The Board of Supervisors passed on first reading a measure aimed at making evictions a last resort by requiring landlords to give tenants a warning and opportunity to correct conduct that could lead to eviction.
What the ordinance would do: Under the lien of the ordinance presented by Supervisor Preston, before serving a three‑day notice for some categories of lease violations a landlord would be required to give a tenant a 10‑day warning that describes the conduct and provides an opportunity to cure. The measure excludes cases involving imminent health or safety threats and cases concerning the nonpayment of COVID‑19 rental debt.
Why it matters: The sponsor framed the change as a way to prevent precipitous displacement and to encourage dispute resolution without litigation. Supporters at the hearing argued the change could prevent thousands of households from losing housing and would align eviction practice with other consumer protections that afford longer cure periods.
Debate and process: Supervisor Preston said the ordinance builds on eviction‑diversion practices used during the pandemic and acknowledged co‑sponsors on the floor. The measure was supported sufficiently to pass on first reading unanimously; the clerk recorded 11 ayes.
Legal/administrative notes: The ordinance amends the San Francisco Administrative Code to require written notices and opportunities to cure prior to certain three‑day notices. It explicitly preserves exceptions when a landlord alleges imminent health or safety violations or when the eviction is based on nonpayment of COVID‑19 rental debt.
What’s next: The ordinance passed on first reading and will return for the required second reading or subsequent procedural steps. Departments and tenant‑assistance programs will need to update guidance materials for landlords and tenants and monitor implementation and any litigation or administrative complaints that arise.
Quotes: Supervisor Preston said the change “will be a game changer” for tenants by increasing chances to resolve disputes without litigation.
