Can my landlord make me move out in San Francisco?
Only for 17 listed reasons.
Why, and the exact law
For owner move-in or demolition, they pay $8,245 per tenant in relocation (Mar 2026–Feb 2027).
From the San Francisco Rent Board, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“In order to evict a tenant from a rental unit covered by the Rent Ordinance, a landlord must have a "just cause" reason that is the dominant motive for pursuing the eviction …”
S.F. Admin. Code § 37.9(a) · sf.gov · found word for word in the source
Who can help
Ask the San Francisco Rent BoardFree counselors explain your options, by phone or in person.San Francisco Rent Board
Get free legal helpLegal aid for tenants who got a notice.LawHelpCA
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
San Francisco lawIn force
SF Rent Ordinance just cause eviction
Can my landlord make me move out?
Only for 17 listed reasons.
For owner move-in or demolition, they pay $8,245 per tenant in relocation (Mar 2026–Feb 2027).
Who it covers
Covers: Covers units under the Rent Ordinance, including those exempt from rent increase limits (post-1979 CO, Costa-Hawkins).
Figure period
Mar 2026–Feb 2027
The law, word for word
“In order to evict a tenant from a rental unit covered by the Rent Ordinance, a landlord must have a "just cause" reason that is the dominant motive for pursuing the eviction …”
California Tenant Protection Act – Just Cause Eviction
Can my landlord make me move out?
After a year, only for a good reason.
If it's not your fault, they owe you 1 month's rent or must waive your last month.
Depends on the year the building was built.
Who it covers
Not buildings less than 15 years old.
Not owner-occupied buildings with 2 units or fewer.
Covers: Tenancies of 12+ months (24 if additional adults added); does not apply where a local just cause ordinance applies.
Exemptions: Transient hotels; certain care facilities; dormitories; shared kitchen/bath with owner; owner-occupied single-family and duplex; CO within previous 15 years; separately alienable non-corporate-owned property with notice; deed-restricted or subsidized affordable housing.
In force since
Apr 1, 2024
Current version since
Jan 1, 2026
Set to be repealed
Jan 1, 2030
The law, word for word
“after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy …”
SF relocation payments for no-fault evictions (owner move-in, demolition, capital improvement, rehabilitation)
How much do they pay me to move?
Owner move-in or demolition: $8,245 per tenant.
Max $24,733 in relocation per unit, plus $5,497 for each tenant 60+ or disabled, or a household with children.
Who it covers
Exemptions: Temporary capital improvement evictions under 20 days are governed by Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.9.
In force since
Mar 1, 2026
Figure period
Mar 2026–Feb 2027
The law, word for word
“Relocation Payments for Evictions based on Owner/Relative Move-in OR Demolition/Permanent Removal of Unit from Housing Use OR Temporary Capital Improvement Work* OR Substantial Rehabilitation …”