What's the maximum rent increase in San Francisco for March 2026 – February 2027?
1.6%
The allowable annual rent increase for rent-controlled units in San Francisco is 1.6%, effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027.
- In effect
- March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Next change
- March 1, 2027
- Set by
- San Francisco Rent Board · City ordinance
- Last checked
- October 17, 2026
The annual allowable increase for rent-controlled units, once every 12 months on the tenant's anniversary date.
How the San Francisco cap is calculated
60% of Bay Area CPI-U
60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Bay Area. Calculate it on base rent only and do not round up to the nearest dollar. Unused increases can be banked and added later.
Law: San Francisco Rent Ordinance, S.F. Administrative Code ch. 37.
Who it covers, and who's exempt
Covered
- Units with a certificate of occupancy issued before June 13, 1979 (per the CA AG summary)
Main exemptions & conditions
- Units first occupied on or after June 13, 1979
- California's Costa-Hawkins rule (summarized by the CA Attorney General): local rent caps do not apply to buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued after February 1, 1995, or to most single-family homes and condos. Those units may still be covered by the statewide AB 1482 cap.
- No limit on the first rent for a new tenancy in a vacant unit
- A landlord needs a rent increase license (Housing Inventory reporting) before imposing annual or banked increases
Notice, and when it changes next
Notice: 30 days' written notice; 90 days if the increase (alone or combined with another in the same year) is more than 10%. Add 5 days if the notice is mailed.
Next change: A new allowable increase takes effect March 1, 2027. The Rent Board calculates it each year.
Earlier figures
| Period | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 1.4% |
| Mar 1, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025 | 1.7% |
Official sources
“The allowed rent increase percentage in San Francisco is 1.6%. The percentage is effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027.”
“For units with certificates of occupancy issued before 6/13/79”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
Frequently asked
What is the maximum rent increase in San Francisco for March 2026 – February 2027?
The allowable annual rent increase for rent-controlled units in San Francisco is 1.6%, effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027.
How is the San Francisco rent cap calculated?
60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Bay Area. Calculate it on base rent only and do not round up to the nearest dollar. Unused increases can be banked and added later.
Which rentals are exempt from the San Francisco cap?
Units first occupied on or after June 13, 1979. California's Costa-Hawkins rule (summarized by the CA Attorney General): local rent caps do not apply to buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued after February 1, 1995, or to most single-family homes and condos. Those units may still be covered by the statewide AB 1482 cap. No limit on the first rent for a new tenancy in a vacant unit.
When does the San Francisco rent cap change next?
A new allowable increase takes effect March 1, 2027. The Rent Board calculates it each year.
Where does this San Francisco figure come from?
From City and County of San Francisco, Rent Board: “Learn about rent increases in San Francisco”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.