SF Limits Eviction for Minor Rent Arrears
The new ordinance bars evictions for rent debts totaling less than one month of federal fair market value.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Should cities prevent landlords from evicting tenants who owe less than one month's rent?
Renters in San Francisco facing minor arrears will no longer be subject to eviction under new legislation unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors. The ordinance sets a strict monetary threshold for nonpayment cases, requiring arrears to reach at least one month of local fair market rent before a landlord can move to evict.
Why it matters
The city moved to protect tenants from displacement over small, often temporary gaps in rent payments, which accounted for a quarter of local eviction cases in 2025. By aligning with similar policies in cities like Oakland and Berkeley, officials hope to stabilize housing for residents caught in minor financial disputes.
In 2025, 25% of all local eviction filings were for amounts totaling less than one month of fair market rent. Under the new rule, the threshold is set to the federal fair market rate, which is currently $2,485 for a studio, $2,977 for a one-bedroom, and $3,604 for a two-bedroom apartment.
The players
Board of Supervisors
The 11-member legislative body that unanimously approved the new eviction threshold ordinance.
The details
The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the ordinance, which effectively bars landlords from initiating eviction proceedings for unpaid rent that falls below the federal fair market threshold for the unit. This measure follows similar policies already established in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Berkeley. The legislation is expected to become effective as early as December 2026, though legal challenges similar to those seen in Los Angeles remain a possibility for such policies.
Timeline
2025: 25% of city eviction cases involved amounts under one month of fair market rent.
October 20, 2026: The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the eviction threshold legislation.
December 2026: The ordinance is expected to go into effect.
Across the Bay
San Francisco is joining Oakland and Berkeley in adopting an eviction threshold, following a pattern of regional housing policy updates. This move faces the same legal challenges seen elsewhere, notably the 2023 Apartment Association of Los Angeles lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles.
If you are currently behind on rent by a small amount, you may gain new legal protections against eviction starting in December 2026. Keep track of the specific fair market value for your unit size, as that will determine whether your arrears fall below the new legal threshold for eviction proceedings.
The takeaway
Tenants should recognize that this ordinance restricts evictions based on the dollar amount of unpaid rent rather than the duration of the delinquency. Monitor upcoming city notices regarding the official enforcement date in December 2026 to understand your rights under the new threshold.
Further reading
For more information on housing laws and tenant protections, visit San Francisco Apartments.
Live Poll
Should cities prevent landlords from evicting tenants who owe less than one month's rent?
