Supervisor Mandelmann introduces ordinance to protect tenant housing services from ADU projects

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the impact of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on existing tenant housing services. The meeting highlighted the ongoing issue of long-term tenants facing the potential loss of essential amenities such as laundry facilities, storage, and parking spaces due to the construction of new ADUs in their buildings.

The discussion was initiated by Supervisor Mandelmann, who shared a case involving tenants at 700 Church Street, a rent-controlled building, who expressed alarm over their landlord's plans to convert shared spaces into four new ADUs. Mandelmann emphasized that while the Board supports the development of ADUs as a means to increase housing availability, it is unacceptable for this to occur at the expense of current tenants' rights and services.

Mandelmann pointed out that there are multiple projects in District 8 alone where tenants are being informed that their essential services will be removed to accommodate new units. He asserted that this practice, often referred to as "renovictions," is not only unethical but also illegal under existing rent ordinances, which protect tenants from the removal of housing services without just cause.

To combat these issues, the proposed ordinance aims to clarify and strengthen tenant protections. Key provisions include:

1. **Legal Remedies**: The ordinance would allow tenants to seek triple damages and recover attorney's fees if they experience wrongful loss of housing services.

2. **Permit Requirements**: It would explicitly state that obtaining a permit for an ADU does not constitute just cause for removing existing housing services.

3. **Notification Process**: Landlords would be required to notify tenants of any plans to add ADUs and the potential impacts on existing services before applying for permits.

4. **Tenant Petition Rights**: Tenants would have the right to contest the landlord's declaration regarding housing services through a petition to the rent board, which would investigate and provide a determination within 90 days.

The ordinance also includes a provision for a 30-day window for tenants to file petitions after receiving notification from landlords. If a petition is filed, the planning department must hold off on processing the ADU application until the rent board's determination is made.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the collaborative efforts between tenant advocates, city staff, and supervisors in crafting this legislation. The ordinance aims to ensure that tenants' rights are upheld and that the process for addressing disputes over housing services is clear and efficient.

Overall, the Board of Supervisors expressed a commitment to balancing the need for additional housing through ADUs while protecting the rights and services of existing tenants, reinforcing the message that housing services are integral to tenancy rights in San Francisco.