Can a tenant refuse to sign a new lease in San Francisco?

Under the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, refusal to sign a new lease “ for materially the same terms ” is one of the sixteen just causes for eviction. This means you need to tread carefully when it comes to refusing to sign a new lease.

Do you have to sign a new lease agreement?

If you have an oral lease and your landlord wants you to sign a written agreement – you still don’t have to sign anything that contains new terms. In fact, you may even have an advantage if there isn’t a written lease. Typically, written leases benefit landlords – not tenants. After all, they are the ones who write them.

Can a landlord move in in San Francisco?

According to the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, landlords are prohibited from doing an owner move-in if you qualify for one of the protected categories like being disabled or 60 years of age and living in the apartment for 10 years or more.

Do you have to sign a lease in San Francisco?

If you live in a rental unit and pay rent to your landlord, you have formed a “landlord-tenant” relationship. Even without a lease, your tenancy is governed by the relevant state and local laws. If your apartment is covered by the San Francisco Rent Ordinance prohibits your landlords from making material changes to the terms of your tenancy.

How is the Tenants Union in San Francisco?

For more than 40 years, the Tenants Union has empowered renters to know their rights, and assert them in an informed and dignified manner. Through advocacy, counseling, and the Tenants Rights Handbook, the San Francisco Tenants Union has helped thousands of tenants in and outside of San Francisco stay in their homes.

What are the rights of renters in San Francisco?

Here is a summary of San Francisco Tenant Rights 1 San Francisco Rent Ordinance. 2 SF Rent Board. 3 Allowable rent increase. 4 Just Cause Reasons for Eviction. 5 Wrongful Eviction. 6 Owner Move-in. 7 Repairs/Habitability. 8 Ellis Act. 9 Illegal Unit. 10 Noisy Neighbors.

How to become a tenant in San Francisco?

We empower San Francisco renters to learn their rights under local, state and federal law. Become a Tenants Union member, and support our clinic, our political advocacy, and our work to protect tenants’ rights.