San Francisco, CA Local Law
Your complete guide to renter protections in San Francisco, CA. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside California state protections.
Yes
Rent Control
21
Days to Return Deposit
1 month's rent
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Max Deposit shows the short version — read the full rule below.
Current rent regulation status
Rent Control Active
San Francisco has local rent control or stabilization ordinances that cap annual rent increases on qualifying units.
Rent control in San Francisco typically applies to older buildings and specific unit types. Newer construction and single-family homes may be exempt. Check local ordinances for exact applicability to your unit.
San Francisco-specific laws and ordinances
SF Rent Ordinance limits rent increases for pre-1979 buildings
Just-cause eviction protections under local ordinance
Buyout Agreement regulations for landlord-tenant buyouts
Local ordinances work alongside California state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full California state protections.
Laws that apply to all California renters
Max Security Deposit
1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person or family-LLC landlord with ≤2 properties/≤4 units, and never for a service member)
Deposit Return Deadline
21 days
Entry Notice Required
Reasonable noticenot a fixed minimum: 24 hours is only presumed reasonable
Governing Statute
California Civil Code
Something else? Contact our team
Yes, San Francisco has rent control or rent stabilization ordinances that limit how much landlords can raise rent on qualifying units. Check local ordinances for specific caps and exemptions.
In San Francisco, the California state limit of 1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person or family-LLC landlord with ≤2 properties/≤4 units, and never for a service member) applies. Landlords must return deposits within 21 days after you move out.
San Francisco tenants benefit from several protections: SF Rent Ordinance limits rent increases for pre-1979 buildings; Just-cause eviction protections under local ordinance; Buyout Agreement regulations for landlord-tenant buyouts. These are in addition to California state law.
You can contact the San Francisco local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the California attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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