Primavera Realty · Resource Guide

Landlord Obligations: San Francisco vs. California

A high-level look at what California law asks of every landlord — and the extra duties that come with owning a rental in San Francisco.

Statewide duties (all California landlords)

Regardless of where your property is, California law sets a baseline of landlord responsibilities:

• Habitability. You must keep the unit livable — working plumbing, heat, electrical, hot water, weatherproofing, and safe, sanitary common areas (the implied warranty of habitability).
• Security deposits. As of July 1, 2024, deposits are generally capped at one month’s rent. A small landlord who is a natural person owning no more than two rental properties (with up to four units total) may collect up to two months. Deposits must be returned, with an itemized statement, within the legal timeframe.
• Rent caps & just cause. For covered units, the statewide AB 1482 limits annual increases and requires a valid reason to end most tenancies.
• Required disclosures. Lead-based paint (older homes), known hazards, and other legally required notices.
• Proper notice & entry. Advance written notice for most entries, and correct legal notice for rent increases and terminations.

Additional San Francisco duties

Owning a rental in San Francisco generally adds another layer on top of state law, especially for units covered by the Rent Ordinance:

• Limited annual increases. Only the city’s allowable percentage each year (far below the state cap) for covered units.
• Just-cause eviction. Terminations must fit one of the ordinance’s enumerated just causes, with required notices — and no-fault evictions generally trigger relocation payments set by the city.
• Security-deposit interest. San Francisco requires landlords to pay tenants annual interest on held deposits at the rate the city sets.
• Notices & filings. Various city notices and Rent Board filings can apply, particularly around increases, buyouts, and certain evictions.
• Buyout rules. Tenant buyout agreements have specific disclosure and filing requirements in San Francisco.

Why it matters when you buy or sell

A building’s rent-control status, existing tenancies, and deposit and notice history all affect its value and what a new owner can do. If you’re buying a San Francisco rental — or selling one — understanding these obligations up front prevents costly surprises during escrow. We help clients navigate exactly this.

Please note: This is a general overview, not legal advice, and landlord-tenant rules change and have many exceptions. For your specific obligations, consult the San Francisco Rent Board, official California resources, or a qualified attorney.

Buying or selling a rental property?

We’ll help you understand the obligations that come with it — and what it means for value and timing.

Talk to Bea & Vera