Archive

Who doesn't want a rent reduction?! With rising vacancies and eviction moratoriums triggered by the pandemic, San Francisco renters are finally in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiating rent reductions. Landlords are cutting rent by 10 or 20 percent, offering gift cards, free rent, or other incentives for signing a new lease. This might be your chance to take advantage of the climate. Even with this leverage, you... Read More

A common question we get from tenants is whether or not they have to sign a new lease. Depending on the situation signing a new lease may be obligatory or it may be completely inappropriate. In this article we discuss the various considerations. Tenants Cannot Refuse to Sign a Lease that is Materially Similar or the Same Under the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, refusal to sign a new lease “for... Read More

The monthly rent, the length of your commute, the relative decrepitude of your washer and dryer -- all these factors are important when you’re choosing a new apartment. But in San Francisco there are other considerations that can seriously affect your future as a tenant. Even if you think you’ve found your “forever” rental, consider doing some extra legwork. Taking these basic steps could reveal potential red flags, and save... Read More