Sample Our Newsletter
Featured in our July Issue:
- The President's Message
- Mayor's permit system reform draws mixed review
- Major renovation now requires full electrification
- How to detect fraud before you hand over the keys
- San Diego vacancy tax measure defeated decisively
- Balcony inspection now on 6-year cycle, no longer five
- Honoring David Crommie
- Business Members' Resource Guide
Paper tenants, real problems: how to detect fraud before you hand over the keys
By Daniel Bornstein, Esq., Bornstein LawTaking the time to verify information on the front end can mean the difference between a stable tenancy and a costly mistake that takes months to unwind.
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Supervisors use “voter initiative” to bypass scrutiny and advance Muni parcel tax
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentHere's the latest news regarding the parcel tax proposition: Petitions to place the “Stronger Muni for All” parcel tax on the November 2026 ballot are being circulated now.
Make saving Proposition 13 your New Year's resolution
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentJust when we California property owners thought we‘d take a well-deserved breather during the holidays, major efforts are underway to repeal the landmark Proposition 13.
Make your voice heard about the Muni parcel tax and 2/3 supermajority measure for approval of special taxes
As San Francisco small property owners know all too well, passage of a parcel tax is usually a slam dunk in a city with 63% renters who get to vote on the tax and reap its benefits, while paying for none of its costs.
Midyear review: 2025 takes shape as San Francisco faces budget cuts
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentWelcome to the month of July. You made it this far. Congratulations. San Francisco's fiscal year began on July 1 and ends on June 30, 2026.
The President's Message
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentA new mayor looks to streamline government Indeed, San Francisco has a new mayor who recently marked his 100th day in office. During these critical three months, Daniel Lurie launched his PermitSF program that strives to make the city's permitting system customer-focused, faster, and more transparent.
Recology asks for 30% rate hike for trash collection in the next three years
By Gideon Kramer, SPOSFI News editorIn 2021, 2022, and 2023, after Recology was forced to pay back customers nearly $150 milion when it was learned that the city-sanctioned monopoly had overcharged customers, Recology is back asking for another big rate hike.
AB 2424 aims to change how foreclosed properties are purchased
By Daniel Bornstein, Esq., Bornstein LawAssembly Bill 2424 will rein in wealthy, corporate, or all-cash buyers from stripping home equity from homeowners on the brink of foreclosure and allow the owner to find private buyers for their distressed property.
How many days does it take to count to three? Not ten, says an appellate court.
By Daniel Bornstein, Esq., Bornstein LawSan Francisco tenants not complying with their lease terms do not need to be given extra time to fix their behavior, according to California's First Appellate District of Appeal.
Board of Supervisors bans software suggesting rent prices and occupancy levels It's an only-in-San Francisco moment!
By Daniel Bornstein, Esq., Bornstein LawAntitrust cases have been aimed at a real estate software company called RealPage, claiming that through its YieldStar product, landlords are working together to share rental pricing data and occupancy rates to raise rents.
Vacancy decontrol a necessary feature of a functioning market
By Justin A. Goodman, Esq., Zacks & Freedman, PCThe Justice for Renters Act is the latest attempt to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act at the ballot (following the defeat of Proposition 10 in 2018 and Proposition 21 in 2020).
SB 712 forces owners to allow storage and charging of electric bikes in the unit
By Peter Reitz, SPOSF/SPOSFI Executive DirectorSenate Bill SB 712 took effect January 1. The new law forces property owners to accept the storage and charging within the rental unit of Personal Micromobility Devices (PMDs).
The President's Message
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentPity the poor vacant apartment. Everybody seems to think they know what's best for it.
The President's Letter
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentDear Small Property Owners of San Francisco, As your new president, I look forward to continuing all the hard work of my predecessor, Noni Richen, and I look forward to working with all of you in 2024.
2024 New Year resolutions for rental property owners
By Brian Wallace, SPOSF/SPOSFI Board MemberMost New Year resolutions revolve around renewed commitments to personal health and fitness. Rental property owners should begin 2024 by also re-committing themselves to the health of their relationship with their renters, the safety and quiet enjoyment of the premises, and the “physical fitness of their buildings.
What documents must you provide to your renters before they move in?
Many small property owners are uncertain about what documents they are required to include before handing over the keys to a new tenant.
Utility scams are on the rise. PG&E advises customers how to avoid becoming a victim
With reports of scams targeting utility customers at an all-time high PG&E officials share tips with customers to help recognize the signs of a potential scam. Educate yourself about typical scams so you don't become a victim.
Rent control is a violation of our property rights; we are pushing back!
By Noni Richen, SPOSF/SPOSFI PresidentUpdating your building to mercury-free thermometers
By Gideon Kramer, Editor/SPOSFI NewsIn 2006 the California legislature banned the sale of mercury-added thermostats.
Understanding subletting and roommate replacement in San Francisco is an important responsibility of landlords.
By Corinne D. Brophy, Esq., Associate Attorney, Steven Adair MacDonald & Partners, P.C.In California, a tenant (or roommate) who pays another tenant to live in a room or rental unit is a subtenant. The person the subtenant pays rent to is the master tenant.