San Francisco Supervisors Will Propose Eviction Reform
New legislation aims to limit nuisance eviction grounds following a surge in filings across the city.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Apartments
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Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Jackie Fielder plan to introduce legislation on Tuesday to tighten nuisance eviction rules. The proposal follows a spike in eviction activity and Mayor Daniel Lurie's declaration of a rent emergency.
Why it matters
The legislation seeks to remove ambiguity from current rental law, ensuring that nuisance claims are reserved for severe, ongoing, and recurring issues. It aims to protect tenants by allowing them to cure violations rather than facing immediate eviction.
In 2026, landlords filed over 1,000 total eviction notices in San Francisco. The SF Rent Board reported 405 nuisance-specific notices, a 41% increase compared to 288 filings in the prior period.
The players
Myrna Melgar
She serves as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Jackie Fielder
She serves as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Daniel Lurie
He is the Mayor of San Francisco who declared a rent emergency.
Sue Yeng Yan
A 92-year-old tenant residing at 1120 Jackson St. who faced an eviction notice.
Nabob Hill LLC
The real estate entity that purchased 1120 Jackson St. in 2025.
The details
The proposed changes would remove the word nuisance from the legal code, requiring activity to be severe and recurring to qualify for eviction. Tenants would be granted the right to pay for necessary repairs or cease behaviors to resolve disputes before losing their housing.
Timeline
1982: Sue Yeng Yan began living at 1120 Jackson St.
2025: Nabob Hill LLC purchased 1120 Jackson St.
February 2026: The SF Rent Board released its annual eviction notice report.
March 2026: Elderly tenants received eviction notices.
June 2026: Landlord notified Yan that conditions were cured.
Culture Shift
This move mirrors broader efforts to modernize San Francisco's Rent Ordinance in the face of rising displacement concerns. It reflects a shift toward prioritizing tenant stability during periods of housing market volatility.
Tenants facing eviction notices may see increased protection, allowing them to resolve issues like clutter without being forced out of their homes. For landlords, the rule change necessitates more rigorous documentation of nuisance activities before pursuing legal action.
The takeaway
The proposed reform highlights the ongoing tension between property owners and long-term residents in San Francisco's competitive housing market. Residents are encouraged to document all maintenance and landlord communications to ensure they remain in compliance with current local regulations.
What happens next
Supervisors plan to unveil the proposal at the Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for this coming Tuesday.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental policies on our San Francisco Apartments page.
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Should your local government further restrict the legal grounds for evicting tenants?
