Committee advances eviction‑diversion ordinance requiring 10‑day warning before 3‑day notices

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Land Use Committee voted to send an eviction‑diversion ordinance — described as the Tenant Opportunity to Cure — to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Supervisor Dean Preston, sponsor of the item, said the ordinance would require landlords pursuing certain at‑fault evictions to provide tenants with a written notice and a 10‑day opportunity to cure before serving a three‑day notice to quit, with exceptions for imminent health or safety issues and for nonpayment of COVID rental debt. "An additional 10 days would really be a game changer," Preston said, arguing it would give tenants time to access rental assistance and avoid litigation.

During public comment, a range of tenant‑advocacy speakers urged passage. Scott Weaver of the San Francisco Tenants Union and the Eviction Defense Collaborative called the proposal "an eviction prevention ordinance" and said the extra time would often prevent unlawful detainer filings. A staff attorney at the Eviction Defense Collaborative described how extra time during the pandemic had benefited tenants and urged continued measures to avoid court.

Several callers representing tenant organizations emphasized practical benefits: more time to contact tenant counselors (including over weekends), pursue rental assistance, request reasonable accommodations, and avoid the trauma and legal costs of eviction proceedings.

Small property owners and landlord representatives opposed the measure in public comment. Bridal Adler, identifying herself as a small property owner, said she had not seen data supporting 10 days as the right threshold and argued the change would increase legal costs and administrative burdens. Another rental owner warned additional notice requirements could raise housing costs.

After public testimony the committee took a roll‑call vote: Supervisors Erin Peskin, Dean Preston and Chair Mirna Melgar recorded 'aye' votes and the motion passed to forward the ordinance to the Board with a positive recommendation. The item will be considered next by the full Board of Supervisors.