In 1992, San Francisco voters passed Proposition H which adjusted the maximum annual rent increase for rent-controlled apartments to 60% of the Consumer Price Index for the Bay Area.
Category: Public Policy
THC was very involved in the vast majority of tenant protection laws passed from 1982 for the next three decades. THC led and primarily funded the historic Prop H campaign in 1992, which cut annual rent increases by more than half. It has resulted in the biggest transfer of wealth from landlords to tenants of any ballot measure in the nation’s history.
THC also worked to prevent the cost of city bonds from being unfairly “passed through” to tenants, even successfully suing the city to stop this. We fought for laws requiring mailboxes and sprinklers in SRO hotels and for laws strengthening eviction protections. We also got a law passed requiring tenants get notification of building permit applications in order to stop evictions due to unnecessary renovations.
1993
Yes On Proposition H, the Fair Rents Initiative
A 1992 flyer featuring the Tenderloin Housing Clinic advocates for voter support of Proposition H, which would eliminate the annual 4% rent increase floor.
1993
For Relief of Rental Pain: Yes on Proposition H
This Yes on Prop H campaign flyer sought to get voter attention by being styled like an advertisement for the medical cream Preparation H.
1994
Why Tenants Should Oppose City Bonds
Regulations passed by rent board puts full cost of city bonds onto tenants. Tenants and advocates are outraged at the pass off of costs.
1994
THC Sues to Invalidate Tenant Bond Passthroughs
THC files a lawsuit against the Rent Board’s ruling that tenants pay full cost of city bonds.
1995
Stop Slumlord Welfare
Readers are urged to call Supervisors in opposition of Mayor Jordan’s “direct rent” program, which was essentially a resurgence of the “hot-line hotel” program.
1995
Mandatory Direct Payment Program Shelved
Momentum stalls in 1995 for the Mandatory Direct Payment Program supported by SF voters through Prop N.
1995
Court Says Landlords Can’t Pass On Costs
SF Superior Court strikes down a regulation that would have allowed landlords to pass off costs of city bonds onto tenants.
1998
Warning of Bond Costs Being Passed Off To Tenants
Call to action to tenants, warning that new legislation is being pushed to allow landlords to pass of property tax costs to tenants.
1998
Museum Bond Held Hostage
The de Young Museum is put in the crossfire of a landlord tenant battle. The costs for the museum are to be paid for with bonds from the city.. landlords threaten to fight the Museum and other bonds unless costs can be shifted onto tenants.