Board approves expedited path for some TIC owners; related ordinance split in two fails on second measure

San Francisco supervisors voted on a package of changes to the city—s condominium-conversion rules late Tuesday after hours of debate over tenant protections, limits on future conversions and the risk of litigation.

The board approved an amendment package led by President David Chu and other amendments that created a seven-year, limited expedited pathway for existing TIC (tenancy-in-common) owners to convert units to condominiums while requiring lifetime leases for nonpurchasing tenants and suspending the future condo lottery for up to 10 years. The principal ordinance at issue (item 29) passed 8-3. A separate, related ordinance (item 37) that would have made additional changes to future lottery rules failed 4-7.

Why it matters: Supporters said the plan balances two competing concerns: providing a route to stabilize finance-strapped TIC owners and protecting long-term renters from displacement. Opponents warned that some provisions could be used to block conversions through litigation, eliminate certain owner-occupancy pathways in future lotteries and ultimately remove units from the city—s rent-controlled housing stock.

Most important facts - The board—s vote on item 29 (the main condo-conversion package as amended) carried by a roll call of 8 ayes and 3 noes. - A separate ordinance, item 37, failed in a 4-7 vote;…