San Francisco extends eviction protections for businesses with 50 to 99 employees

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on an ordinance aimed at extending eviction protections for commercial tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance specifically targets businesses with 50 to 99 full-time employees, creating a six-month forbearance period for unpaid rent. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the significant rent debt accumulated by businesses during the pandemic.

Supervisor Safaie introduced the ordinance, highlighting the need to extend protections beyond the current coverage for smaller businesses with 2 to 50 employees. He noted that many local restaurants and businesses have grown to employ over 50 individuals, thus necessitating additional support. The ordinance also empowers the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) to develop incentive programs that encourage landlords and tenants to negotiate repayment plans.

Manish Guel from the OEWD provided further context, stating that nearly 50% of San Francisco's registered small businesses fall within the 100 employees or fewer category. He emphasized the importance of communication between landlords and tenants to prevent legal disputes and potential evictions. The OEWD has been actively promoting negotiation efforts and is prepared to offer resources and support to facilitate these discussions.

The ordinance is set to take effect following the expiration of the current eviction moratorium on September 30, 2025, providing an additional six months of protection for the specified businesses. Smaller businesses will benefit from longer protection periods, with those employing fewer than 10 individuals receiving up to two years of eviction protection.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of these measures to support local businesses and address the ongoing challenges posed by unpaid rent. The ordinance represents a critical step in the city's efforts to stabilize its economy and assist businesses in navigating the financial impacts of the pandemic. Further discussions on a commercial rent relief fund are anticipated in September, aiming to provide additional financial support to affected businesses.