San Francisco Rent Board Fee

Resources for Bay Area Landlords

What is the San Francisco Rent Board Fee?

The Rent Board fee amount for the 2021-2022 tax year is $59 per apartment unit and $29.50 per residential unit. The fee is billed per unit. View the fee structure here.

 

“The City collects a per-unit fee for each residential dwelling unit that is subject to the Rent Ordinance. The fee funds the cost of operating the Rent Board.” – San Francisco Rent Board

 

The Rent Board Fee is being collected differently in 2022. Where it was previously billed as a line item on property taxes, it is now being directly billed by the San Francisco Rent Board. As of this year, non-payment of the fee can also lead to being sent to collections.

 

We understand this may be a confusing and frustrating transition for landlords and are prepared to help make it as smooth as possible. See below for resources, or view our blog for more information about the fee and what to expect for 2022.

Rent Board Fees are Due March 1, 2022

Visit the San Francisco Rent Board online portal to make your payment.

Fee Notice and Collection

Rent Board Fee Notice

The Rent Board Fee Notice will be sent to the landlord through mail. The Notice will contain your bill as well as a link to pay on the online portal.

Making Payment

The San Francisco Rent Board Fee is due March 1 of each year. Landlords are to pay on the online portal with e-check, or credit or debit with a small fee. Landlords are also able to pay through check either by mail or dropping it off at the San Francisco Rent Board office location.

View Fee Structure

Late Fees

The Rent Board will add a 5% penalty to the amount of the fee if it has not been paid by March 1. An additional 5% if the fee has not been paid by April 1, and an additional 5% if the fee has not been paid by May 1. If the fee remains outstanding as of June 1, the Rent Board will refer the matter to the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue.

Security Deposit Interest Calculator

Calculate the reimbursement amount that can be collected from tenants as well as interest on security deposits with the #1 Security Deposit and Rent Board Fee Calculator in San Francisco!

Collecting the Rent Board Fee From Tenants

Section 37A.6 of the Administrative Code allows landlords to recover 50% of the San Francisco Rent Board Fee from tenants once it is paid in full.

Paid In Full

The Fee must be paid in full by the landlord to the Rent Board before being billed to tenants.

Non-Payment By Tenant

Non-payment of the Rent Board Fee is NOT just cause for eviction in San Francisco, but may be disputed in Small Claims Court.

Importance of On Time Payments

Non-payment of the Rent Board Fee after 90 days sends your account to the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue. When sent to collections, your credit score is negatively impacted as well as your ability to be approved for future loans, credit lines, etc. Pay on time to avoid being sent to collections.