Supervisor Myrna Melgar announced a new ordinance on Tuesday that would tighten San Francisco’s definition of a “nuisance” eviction. The proposal seeks to prevent landlords from using vague language to evict tenants who are unfairly portrayed as troublemakers.
Why the change is needed
Melgar said the city’s current code is overly broad and invites abuse. She cited six seniors at 1120 Jackson Street in Chinatown who received nuisance eviction notices for allegedly having too many belongings, a claim that could jeopardize their housing stability.
“When I read about Sue Yeng I cried in the office,” Melgar said at a press conference outside 907 Valencia Street in the Mission District, where tenants have been organizing rent strikes against landlords they say are neglecting safety and habitability.
Key provisions of the proposed amendment
The ordinance would require a nuisance claim to involve a “severe” offense, such as illegal subletting, serious property damage, or using the property for illegal activity. Additionally, an eviction would only proceed if the conduct is both “recurring” and “continuing,” raising the bar from the current rule that any one of those elements is sufficient.
The definition of nuisance would also be revised. The current language—“creating a substantial interference with the comfort, safety or enjoyment of the landlord or tenants in the building”—would be changed to focus solely on occupants, reading “so disorderly as to destroy the peace and quiet of other occupants.”
Finally, the bill would bar evictions over property damage if a landlord has already accepted payment for those damages.
Context: rising eviction pressure
San Francisco’s rental market is soaring, with a one‑bedroom averaging $3,915. Landlords are increasingly using nuisance claims to clear units and reset rents. Anti‑Displacement Coalition director Molly Goldberg warned that long‑time residents are being targeted so owners can “jack up the rent to whatever you think you can get away with.”
Data show nuisance eviction notices rose 31 % to 423 in fiscal year 2025‑2026, up from 323 the prior year, and 47 % higher than the 288 recorded in 2023‑2024. Evictions for breach of lease followed closely with 397 notices in the same period. Overall eviction notices hit a post‑pandemic high of 1,495 last year, a 62 % increase from 2024.
Support and co‑sponsorship
District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder co‑sponsored the measure and has introduced related legislation to bar evictions for less than a month’s rent. Both supervisors framed the effort as a safeguard for families who have lived in their homes for decades.
“People can’t be forced out simply because a landlord wants to raise the rent,” Melgar said. “We need clear, fair rules that protect our community’s stability.”
Next steps
The ordinance will be debated at the next Board of Supervisors meeting. If passed, it would become part of the city code, giving tenants stronger legal footing against arbitrary nuisance evictions while still allowing landlords to address genuine, severe violations.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
