Author: Eric Baird

San Francisco Allowable Rent Increase For 2016 is 1.6%

San Francisco Allowable Rent Increase For 2016 is 1.6%

This Year’s Annual Allowable Increase for San Francisco Rent Controlled Units:

The annual allowable increase amount effective March 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017 is 1.6 %. The annual allowable increase amount effective March 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016 is 1.9 %.

To Calculate Rent Increases In San Francisco, Use ReLISTO Rental Calculator. Calculator is specifically designed for San Francisco Landlords and Tenants. Bank increases, partial rent increases, and shifting anniversary dates are easily managed. Best of all its a free tool for Landlords, Property Managers and Tenants to Use.

FROM TO AMOUNT OF INCREASE
March 1,2016 February 28, 2017 1.6%
March 1,2015 February 29, 2016 1.9%
March 1,2014 February 28, 2015 1.0%
March 1,2013 February 28, 2014 1.9%
March 1,2012 February 29, 2013 0.5%

“Upgraded Appliances” What does this mean?

In San Francisco most renters ideally want an apartment with an open social kitchen. A kitchen where friends and family can be entertained and enjoy each others company. As such large attractive and upgraded kitchens extending into another room are in huge demand and will secure higher rents or occupancy rates. Great appliances play an important role in this kitchen.

So what is upgraded? When are your seemingly great appliances out of style? In San Francisco, rental housing can be either brand new or comprised of older, historic Edwardian or Victorian charmers. In these older homes ranges can be as old as the house! When communicating with both landlords and tenants we typically utilize a 10 year window to define upgraded. Of course it just about the age since higher quality appliances tend to maintain their style for longer periods of time. For example look at the two Wolf Stoves in the photo associated with this posting. The 2015 version has a lower profile but besides this its an indistinguishable difference.

Fun Facts:

  • 5 years- Number of years ovens in rental homes are depreciated
  • 10-15 years- Number of years most ovens will last. See article
  • Most appliance companies do not refer to the year a particular unit was manufactured.  Just try to look up “10 year old Viking Stove”.

San Francisco Security Deposit Interest Rates

The Current San Francisco Security Deposit Interest is 0.2% for March 2016- February 2017:

The Current San Francisco Security Deposit Interest is 0.2% for March 2016- February 2017:

The ReLISTO Security Deposit Interest Calculator SF Rental Calculator is for San Francisco landlords and tenants to easily determine the amount of security rent board fees and allowable rent due. Save, email or print results. Summarized below are the interest rates for prior years as well as rules and details of the ordinance.
San Francisco Security Deposit Interest Rates 1983-2017

September 1, 1999- August 31, 20005.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1998- August 31, 19995.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1997- August 31, 19985.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1996- August 31, 19975.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1995- August 31, 19965.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1994- August 31, 19955.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1993- August 31, 19945.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1992- August 31, 19935.0%CalculateSeptember 1, 1991- August 31, 19925.0%Calculate

Date Range Interest Interest Calculator
March 1, 2016- February 28, 2017 0.2% Calculate
March 1, 2015- February 29, 2016 0.1% Calculate
March 1, 2014- February 28, 2015 0.3% Calculate
March 1, 2013- February 28, 2014 0.4% Calculate
March 1, 2012- February 28, 2013 0.4% Calculate
March 1, 2011- February 28, 2012 0.4% Calculate
March 1, 2010- February 28, 2011 0.9% Calculate
March 1, 2009- February 28, 2010 3.1% Calculate
March 1, 2008- February 28, 2009 5.2% Calculate
March 1, 2007- February 29, 2008 5.2% Calculate
March 1, 2006- February 28, 2007 3.7% Calculate
March 1, 2005- February 28, 2006 1.7% Calculate
March 1, 2004- February 28, 2005 1.2% Calculate
March 1, 2003- February 29, 2004 1.2% Calculate
August 4, 2002- February 28, 2003 3.4% Calculate
September 1, 2001- August 03, 2002 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 2000- August 31, 2001 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1990- August 31, 1991 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1989- August 31, 1990 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1988- August 31, 1989 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1987- August 31, 1988 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1986- August 31, 1987 5.0% Calculate
September 1,1985- August 31, 1986 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1984- August 31, 1985 5.0% Calculate
September 1, 1983- August 31, 1984 5.0% Calculate

The San Francisco Administrative Code requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits held over one year on residential property. Interest payments apply to all residential rental units in San Francisco except for government subsidized properties.

Interest is  payable on the  tenant’s “annual due date”. If the tenant vacates before one full year of occupancy, no interest is due. Where a tenant vacates after one year of occupancy but before the next annual due date, the interest payment for the partial year period must be pro-rated and calculated using the interest rate in effect on the date the tenant vacates. Generally, the tenant is owed simple interest on their annual due date at the rate in effect when the security deposit interest payment is due.  Pursuant to Chapter 49, if interest is owed for multiple years, the interest may not be compounded.

The landlord has the option of paying the security deposit interest to the tenant in the form of either a direct payment or a credit against the tenant’s rent. For units that are covered by the Rent Ordinance and subject to the annual Rent Board fee, Section 37A.6 of the San Francisco Administrative Code allows the landlord to deduct 50% of the annual Rent Board fee from the security deposit interest payment due to the tenant each year.

Security Deposit interest must be paid within two weeks of the date the tenant vacates. However, subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in Section 1950.5(e) of the California Civil Code, a landlord may retain a portion of the unpaid accrued interest where the amount of the security deposit alone is insufficient to cover unpaid rent, repair of damages to the premises caused by the tenant, or necessary cleaning of the premises.

Generally, disputes concerning security deposits or security deposit interest issues are decided in Small Claims Court. The Rent Board does not have jurisdiction over these disputes and the Rent Board staff cannot give legal advice concerning these issues. Please consult an attorney or appropriate agency for specific advice.

Visit the San Francisco Rent Board for Most Current Information