San Francisco Declares Rent Emergency as Housing Costs Soar

San Francisco's mayor has revealed plans to address the skyrocketing rent problem in the city. Here is a look at what action the local government is taking to combat the problem.

San Francisco Leadership Looks to Tackle Housing Crisis

Recognizing that it is becoming increasingly more expensive to live in San Francisco, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced last week that he is tackling the issue by declaring a rent emergency. Symbolic in nature, the announcement signals that local leaders are ready to be proactive about the city's housing crisis.

The newly unveiled reform package proposes six ordinances along with over $30 million in investments designed to protect renters from unexpected spikes in rent and what is defined as "unfair evictions." The plan will also give residents new legal tools to lean on if they feel as if they are "facing unlawful landlord behavior."

In a statement to the media, Lurie said that "Most San Franciscans feel our city is finally moving in the right direction, but many are also asking whether they can still afford to live here. Today, we are taking action to tackle San Francisco’s rent emergency head-on and help San Franciscans stay in their homes." The mayor went on to say that "Leaders from across government and across the city are standing together, united behind a sweeping package of reforms and investments to provide renters greater stability. We have lived through booms before—this time, we have an opportunity to build a recovery that is broad-based and lasting, where San Franciscans can put down roots and participate in our city’s success.”

The recent boom in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry has been centered in the Bay Area, pumping significant amounts of money into the region. However, this wealth has also sent rent prices soaring, pricing many people out of the market.

According to Zumper's National Rental report, a one-bedroom unit in San Francisco jumped 25.7% in the last year, making the average rent $4,300. This is second only to New York City, with an average rent for the same accommodations of $4,500.

Other Initiatives Rolled Out to Bring Down Rent Costs and Protect Tenants

Danny Sauter, San Francisco's District 3 Supervisor, also announced on Thursday that he is recommending legislation that would put a cap on how much landlords can increase rents. Sauter detailed that the legislation would cap these increases at 10% for rent-controlled properties. Speaking of the dramatic year-over-year jump in rents, Sauter said that "This moment calls for stronger action to keep longtime residents in their homes, free of harassment and clear of devastating surprise rent hikes."

Sauter is hopeful that the proposed legislation will bring "stability and protections" to the thousands of renters in the city. Acknowledging that he is a renter himself, Sauter said that he is committed to bringing down the cost of housing while also rolling out more protections for tenants.

Alongside these initiatives, Matt Dorsey, San Francisco's District 6 Supervisor, detailed that he would sponsor legislation that would require landlords to provide tenants with an annual reminder of rent-increase limits and just-cause eviction rules. Lastly, District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder announced she would sponsor new laws designed to curb evictions of renters who have just barely fallen behind on rent payments. This legislation would also prohibit landlords from evicting tenants for not paying rent unless at least one month of the federal government's fair market rent has not been paid.

Also last week, Lurie revealed plans to expand the city's Tenant Right to Counsel program, providing it with an additional $3 million. This expansion will raise the standards that households need to meet to be eligible for the full eviction representation. Lurie's statement noted that research has found that tenants who receive this full representation were 39% more likely to remain in their homes compared to those who only qualify for limited-scope representation.

The rent emergency initiative will also expand support for programs such as the Ellis Act, helping residents who need federal housing vouchers to pay for housing. City Attorney David Chiu praised the initiative, saying, "This is not sustainable, and renters need help."

Chiu added that “Our renter protection laws can only help if tenants know about them and they are enforced. My office is bringing a renewed focus on weeding out systemic bad behavior that forces people out of their homes. Thanks to Mayor Lurie for spearheading this effort and bringing us together to address this challenge head-on."

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