Supervisors move to standardize supportive-housing rents at 30% of tenant income; file duplicated for committee review

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Dec. 15 voted to duplicate and send to committee an ordinance authored by Supervisor Matt Haney to set a 30% maximum tenant contribution (based on adjusted monthly household income) for households in city‑operated permanent supportive housing.

Supporters said the change would align rent standards across the city’s supportive housing portfolio and reduce severe rent burdens that leave tenants struggling to pay for food, medicine and other necessities. Supervisor Ronan, a cosponsor, told the board the 30% standard is grounded in long‑standing affordable‑housing practice and would help stabilize tenants coming out of homelessness.

During debate supervisors raised funding questions: Supervisor Hillary Ronan and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí acknowledged the item would require new dollars and that the budget office and HSH would have to identify sources to pay the policy’s cost. Supervisor Vallie (Paskin) emphasized that the measure represents a policy choice with an estimated fiscal impact cited in the meeting at roughly $6 million annually if fully extended this year; supporters said they would seek funding during the budget process.

The board did not vote to adopt the ordinance on first reading; instead members voted to duplicate the file and send it to committee for further fiscal and implementation analysis. The agenda action was approved by an 11‑0 roll call.

Advocates and tenants who have organized through the “30 Right Now” coalition were thanked repeatedly by supporters for mobilizing to get the issue before the board. Supervisors said they will pursue funding options in the months ahead and aim to finalize language and an implementation timetable in committee with the Department of Homelessness and relevant housing providers.