The Basics of Tenant Relocation Payments in San Francisco

While the attorneys at Wolford Wayne do not represent tenants in matters involving relocation payments, we believe it is essential for you to understand your full rights as a tenant. We want to provide renters like you with the information needed to defend against an unethical landlord, even when we’re not representing you.

Never Move Out Without a Written Notice

In certain circumstances landlords can ask a tenant to move out without a tenant doing anything wrong. The most common situations are Ellis Evictions, Owner Move in Evictions, and Temporary Evictions for Capital Improvements or Substantial Rehabilitation. While these evictions may be legal, there are specific rules landlords must follow in order to be in compliance with the law.

Landlords must provide you with written notice (email and text do not count) and the notice must include specific language.

If you’ve received an eviction notice never move out until you’ve had a lawyer review it first. If the notice does not follow the law, you may not have to move out.

For temporary evictions, make sure to make it clear – in writing – that you intend to move back in once the repairs are completed.

Relocation Payments Vary on a Case-by-Case Basis 

The San Francisco Rent Board details the amount of relocation payments required for tenants in no-fault evictions. These situations include:

•   Ellis evictions (where the owner takes the entire building off the market)
•   Owner and Relative Move-in Evictions
•   Temporary Evictions for capital improvements or substantial rehabilitation work

The amount of compensation tenants are entitled to varies based on several factors, including why the tenant must relocate, the number of tenants involved, and the age and disability status of the tenants. 

For information about the current relocation payments, which are updated each year, check out the Rent Board’s website here.

A Landlord Must Pay Relocation Payments in Two Parts 

Per San Francisco’s Administrative Code 37.9C(e)(2), tenants should receive relocation payments in two parts:

1. 1. The first half is paid when the tenant receives the notice to move out.
   2. The second payment is received when the tenant vacates the unit.

This arrangement helps ensure that both parties live up to their responsibilities. The landlord must offer some compensation up front, and the tenant receives full payment once they honor their duty to vacate.

At Wolford Wayne, We Fight for Tenants Who are Evicted Without Just Cause 

If your landlord failed to provide you with proper notice or fails to follow the law, you may have a right to sue your landlord for substantial monetary damages.  When a landlord forces a tenant to leave under a no-fault eviction but then does not follow the laws, this may qualify as wrongful eviction.

Our team diligently fights for the rights of San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland tenants who have been wrongfully evicted. We understand the pain and frustration of being illegally forced out of your home, and we can help you seek justice. We’ll review the details of your situation and discuss your options with you. If your landlord is guilty of wrongful eviction, we will help you seek justice for losing your home.

Call Wolford Wayne today or contact us online to request a free consultation. We are honored to deliver excellent legal services for wrongfully evicted tenants.