Thinking about renting out your Saint Francis Wood home? Between state law, San Francisco rules, and possible HOA limits, it can feel like a maze. You want a clear, compliant plan that protects your property and your timeline. This guide breaks down the key rules for Saint Francis Wood owners, short-term rental limits, and a simple checklist to start with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Saint Francis Wood is unique
Saint Francis Wood is a historic residence park with mostly single-family homes. That mix often changes which rent and eviction rules apply versus multi-unit buildings. The area’s historic context and private covenants can also shape what is allowed. You can read more about the neighborhood’s history and housing profile in this overview of Saint Francis Wood’s historic district profile.
- Reference: Saint Francis Wood neighborhood context
Rent control and eviction rules
San Francisco Rent Ordinance basics
San Francisco’s Rent Ordinance sets local rent rules and just-cause eviction standards. Many single-family homes are exempt from the Ordinance’s rent-increase limits, but certain eviction protections can still apply. The Rent Board implements the rules and publishes forms and guidance you must follow.
- Overview of coverage and local process: San Francisco Rent Ordinance basics
- Eviction grounds and Rent Board guidance: Rent Board rules and forms
California AB 1482 (statewide rules)
California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases and requires just cause to terminate most tenancies through 2030. Single-family homes and condos can be exempt from those rent caps and just-cause rules if the owner is not a corporation or REIT and the required exemption notice is given to the tenant. Newer construction and some other categories are also exempt.
- Full text and exemptions: AB 1482, Tenant Protection Act
How to confirm what applies to your home
Start by confirming whether your property is a single-family house or a multi-unit building, and check the certificate of occupancy date. Then confirm your ownership entity and whether any AB 1482 exemption notice has been provided. Finally, check the Rent Board’s Housing Inventory and follow any reporting requirements before raising rent.
- Annual reporting and inventory: Rent Board Housing Inventory
Short-term rentals in San Francisco
Primary residence only
San Francisco allows short-term rentals only from your primary residence. To operate legally, you must certify with the Office of Short-Term Rentals, meet residency requirements, and maintain proper insurance. Registration must be renewed and the certificate number is displayed on listings.
- Eligibility, registration, insurance, taxes: Office of Short-Term Rentals guide
HOA and CC&Rs still control
If your HOA or CC&Rs prohibit short-term rentals or require minimum lease terms, those private rules control even if the city would otherwise certify you. Always review the deed, CC&Rs, and HOA rules before you list your home or sign a lease.
- City guidance on private restrictions: OSTR guide on STR rules
Core landlord obligations
Habitability and repairs
California requires landlords to provide safe, habitable housing with working systems and basic services. Document repair requests, respond promptly, and keep records. Tenants have statutory remedies if habitability is not maintained.
- Habitability obligations: California Civil Code reference
Security deposits
California law sets limits on security deposits and requires an itemized return within specific timelines after move-out. Recent statewide updates changed deposit caps for many new leases, so confirm the current rules before setting an amount.
- Deposit limits and accounting rules: Civil Code §1950.5
Notices and rent increases
Notice periods depend on the size of the rent increase and on local and state rules. San Francisco requires various filings for certain actions and has a Housing Inventory reporting requirement. If coverage applies, you must obtain a rent-increase license before imposing certain increases.
- Reporting and licensing reference: Rent Board Housing Inventory
Fair housing and screening
Follow federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws. In California and San Francisco, source of income is protected, which includes housing vouchers. Use consistent, objective screening criteria and document your process.
No-fault evictions and relocation payments
For tenancies covered by local or state just-cause rules, no-fault evictions such as owner move-in or Ellis Act withdrawals carry strict procedures. San Francisco also requires relocation assistance payments that are adjusted annually. Always confirm the current amounts and timing with the Rent Board before taking action.
- Relocation payment rules and updates: Rent Board relocation guidance
Step-by-step checklist for Saint Francis Wood owners
Use this practical roadmap to prepare your home for a compliant lease.
- Confirm property facts
- Verify whether the home is a single-family house or multi-unit, and check unit count and construction date. This determines which rent rules can apply.
- Check ownership and AB 1482 status
- If you plan to claim the single-family exemption, confirm ownership type and deliver the required exemption notice when applicable. See AB 1482 exemptions.
- Review CC&Rs and HOA rules
- Confirm leasing limits, minimum terms, and any ban on short-term rentals. Private rules control.
- Complete Rent Board requirements
- Report to the Rent Board Housing Inventory and obtain any rent-increase license needed before raising rent.
- For short-term rentals
- Confirm primary-residence eligibility, obtain certification, and meet insurance and tax rules via the OSTR guide.
- Draft a compliant lease
- Include required disclosures, accurate notices, and any AB 1482 exemption language that applies. Do not waive tenant rights.
- Set deposits and move-in steps
- Follow current deposit caps and 21-day accounting after move-out. See Civil Code §1950.5.
- Maintain habitability
- Document condition at move-in, respond to repairs quickly, and keep records of work completed.
- Screen fairly
- Apply consistent criteria and comply with fair housing and source-of-income protections.
- Plan ahead for any termination
- If you are considering owner move-in or another no-fault basis, review Rent Board filings and relocation rules before serving any notice.
Ready to rent with confidence or compare renting versus selling in today’s market? Reach out to Sherry Ramzi for a private, senior-led strategy tailored to your Saint Francis Wood home.
FAQs
Is a Saint Francis Wood single-family house rent controlled?
- Single-family houses are generally exempt from San Francisco’s rent-increase limits, but other protections can still apply based on ownership type and required notices.
Can I host Airbnb if I do not live in the home full time?
- No. San Francisco allows short-term rentals only from your primary residence, and you must register before hosting.
How do I find current relocation payment amounts in San Francisco?
- Check the Rent Board’s latest relocation guidance and confirm the effective amounts and timing before you act.
What is the legal security deposit limit in California?
- California caps security deposits and requires prompt, itemized returns; verify the current Civil Code language before setting your amount.
Do HOA or CC&R rules override the city’s short-term rental certificate?
- Yes. If your HOA or CC&Rs prohibit short-term rentals or require minimum lease terms, those private rules control even if you could qualify with the city.
