Board approves package of tenant protections; mayor signaled possible veto

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a package of ordinances intended to expand protections for renters, including limits on annual rent increases, new hardship relief for tenants whose rent would exceed a third of their gross income, and restrictions on evictions tied to additional occupants.

Supervisor Daley, speaking in favor of the measures, said the package “is carefully crafted” and argued it would help families facing displacement and the economic pressures of the recession. Daley warned the mayor had signaled an intent to veto parts or all of the package and asked colleagues what alternatives the mayor would offer to renters if a veto occurred.

The package included four separate ordinances on the board agenda: an amendment to the housing code to promote affordable housing and protect both prospective and current tenants (item…