San Francisco Supervisors Will Propose New Eviction Limits

New legislation aims to protect tenants from nuisance evictions by setting stricter definitions for behavior.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Apartments

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized Victorian architectural facade in deep red and cream, evoking housing policy debates. — San Francisco supervisors Myrna Melgar and Jackie Fielder are introducing new legislation to restrict nuisance eviction filings, following a 41% spike in such notices. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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San Francisco Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Jackie Fielder plan to introduce legislation on Tuesday to curb nuisance eviction filings. The proposal follows a 41% increase in such notices reported by the SF Rent Board earlier this year.

Why it matters

The legislation is designed to remove subjectivity from city rental law, potentially stabilizing housing for thousands of residents. It requires that nuisance activities be severe and recurring, providing tenants with opportunities to remedy issues before an eviction proceeds.

Landlords filed more than 1,000 eviction notices in San Francisco during 2026. This includes a 41% year-over-year jump in nuisance-related claims, which affected residents like 92-year-old Sue Yeng Yan.

The players

Myrna Melgar

San Francisco Supervisor who helps draft local housing policy and rent control regulations.

Jackie Fielder

San Francisco Supervisor focused on local tenant protections and affordability initiatives.

Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco who declared a citywide rent emergency amid rising eviction filings.

Sue Yeng Yan

A 92-year-old tenant at 1120 Jackson St. who recently faced an eviction notice.

Nabob Hill LLC

The property management firm that purchased the 1120 Jackson St. building in 2025.

The details

Under the new proposal, the term nuisance would be removed from the city's code to prevent broad interpretations of tenant behavior. The policy forces landlords to prove that any reported activity is severe, continuing, and recurring in nature. If passed, tenants could avoid eviction by paying for required repairs or ceasing the contested activity entirely.

1982: Tenant Sue Yeng Yan began living at 1120 Jackson St.
2025: Nabob Hill LLC purchased the building at 1120 Jackson St.
February 2026: SF Rent Board released its annual eviction notice report.
March 2026: Elderly tenants received formal eviction notices.
June 2026: Landlord notified Sue Yeng Yan that alleged clutter conditions were cured.

Money Landscape

This proposal represents a significant evolution in how San Francisco regulates housing security under the established San Francisco Rent Ordinance. It signals a move toward higher evidentiary standards for property owners during an ongoing citywide rent emergency.

If you are currently facing a nuisance eviction notice, this legislation may eventually offer a mechanism to cure the issue through repairs or behavioral changes. Consult with a qualified housing attorney or a local tenants' rights group to understand your specific options under current law.

The takeaway

The move to restrict nuisance eviction grounds highlights the increasing importance of documenting all household interactions with property management. Keep thorough records of any repairs performed or conditions cured at your residence as a safeguard against future legal claims.