How Much Can My Landlord Raise My Rent in San Francisco?
Updated for the current SF Rent Board posting period
Effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, for most rent-controlled units in San Francisco.
San Francisco's Rent Ordinance limits how much a landlord can raise rent each year on units covered by rent control. The San Francisco Rent Board recalculates this percentage every year, and it changes — last year's allowable increase was 1.4%, and the year before that it was 1.7%.
How the percentage is calculated
The allowable increase is based on 60% of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Bay Area over the prior year, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Rent Board announces the new rate every year, effective March 1st.
Does this apply to your unit?
The increase cap generally applies if your building:
- Is a multi-unit building (2 or more units), and
- Received its first certificate of occupancy on or before June 13, 1979
Single-family homes and condos are typically exempt from the rent increase cap under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, even though they may still have eviction protections under SF's just cause ordinance.
Other rules that apply
- A landlord can only raise rent once every 12 months
- The increase applies to your base rent, not added fees like parking
- Landlords can "bank" unused increases from prior years and apply them later, up to certain limits
- Increases above the annual cap require the landlord to file a petition with the Rent Board and prove it's justified
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Analyze My LeaseThis page provides general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, see the SF Rent Board's official rent increase page or consult a tenant attorney.