Researcher Mapped San Francisco Rent-Controlled Housing
A new unofficial map reveals the city's stock of rent-controlled units, helping tenants understand their housing security.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Apartments
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In summer 2026, researcher Neil Rao compiled an independent map of rent-controlled housing units in San Francisco by analyzing 463,000 public records. The project addresses a long-standing gap, as the city government does not maintain its own comprehensive inventory of these protected properties.
Why it matters
Understanding which units fall under local rent control ordinances is critical for tenants to assess their protections against sudden rent spikes and displacement. This mapping effort provides residents with greater clarity on their rights in a city where housing stability is a major financial factor for households.
An analysis of 463,000 records identified 174,000 rent-controlled units, which represent a significant portion of the city's 250,000 total rental units. For these units, annual rent increases are generally capped at 1.6%, compared to the 5% base cap plus inflation that applies to post-1979 housing.
The players
Neil Rao
A researcher who compiled an independent database of rent-controlled housing units using public records.
San Francisco Rent Board
The city agency that handles rent-related filings, tenant complaints, and annual disclosures.
San Francisco Planning Department
The city office responsible for urban development and housing estimates.
The details
Under the 1979 rent ordinance, buildings occupied before June 1979 qualify for protections that limit annual rent hikes, though landlords may reset rents to market rates when a unit is vacated. The data analysis utilized various filings, including tenant complaints and move-out notifications, to identify these protected units. This map offers a clearer picture for renters who may be subject to different rules depending on their building's construction date and compliance status.
Timeline
June 1979: City rent ordinance established the cutoff for protected units.
1985: The Ellis Act was passed, allowing landlords to exit the rental business.
2019: State law introduced rent caps for units built after 1979.
Summer 2026: Neil Rao conducted the analysis of rent-controlled records.
Money Landscape
This project illuminates the local housing market by providing visibility into the reach of the 1979 rent ordinance. It bridges the gap between official policy protections and the lack of a centralized, public-facing database for tenants.
San Francisco renters can use this new mapping resource to determine if their building is subject to rent control ordinances that cap annual increases at 1.6%. If you believe your rent has been raised in violation of these limits, consult with a qualified housing attorney or tenant rights professional.
The takeaway
Transparency tools like this map help households verify if they qualify for rent-capped units in a competitive market. Consider checking your lease terms and building status if you are facing significant rent increases or are seeking to understand your long-term housing costs.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental market protections at San Francisco Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
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Should your local government maintain a publicly accessible database of all rent-controlled housing units?
