In the heart of San Francisco’s Southeast neighborhoods, particularly the Mission, the Southeast Tenants Association (SETA) is a powerful, tenant-led movement committed to protecting renters from displacement and fighting for housing justice. With a focus on serving Spanish-speaking tenants, SETA provides a platform for residents to unite, advocate for their rights, and push back against landlords and policies that threaten their homes.

Southeast Tenants Association (SETA)

Formed to address the unique challenges faced by tenants in these neighborhoods, SETA is rooted in the belief that culturally competent community organizing is the key to securing better housing conditions and preventing evictions. Through tenant unions, residents come together to fight for their collective rights, creating a strong, unified voice to take on systemic housing injustices.

What We Do

At SETA, our organizing efforts are focused on building tenant power in the Mission and other southeastern neighborhoods, prioritizing Spanish-speaking tenants and families. We believe that organizing in Districts 9, 10, & 11 in San Francisco allows us to address the specific challenges faced by each community and neighborhood, helping us drive change at the city level.

Our approach includes:

Door-to-door outreach

Connecting with tenants to understand their needs, inform them of their rights, and invite them to join the fight for better housing conditions.

Leadership development

Training tenants to become advocates for their buildings and neighborhoods through negotiation skills and rights education.

District Organizing

Recognizing that decisions in the city are often made based on neighborhoods, we organize by building tenant associations to build local power and influence housing decisions.

Our tenants' campaigns have led to numerous victories, including fighting rent increases, stopping evictions, and securing critical building repairs. For example, our campaigns at 2334 Mission and across other Rent-to-Own (RTO) buildings have forced landlords to make long-overdue habitability improvements and protected tenants from unfair displacement.

Our Campaigns & Victories

  • 2021

    Elena’s Campaign – A pivotal fight for tenant rights in the Mission neighborhood.

  • 2022

    Denhi Donis Campaign – A successful effort to protect renters from displacement.

  • 2022

    2334 Mission RTO Building – Organized to secure building repairs and prevent unfair evictions.

  • 2022-2023

    Melissa’s Campaign – A tenant-led fight to secure critical housing victories for Mission residents.

  • 2023-Current

    Organized all RTO buildings, representing tenants in 16 buildings to demand safe, affordable housing and secure tenant protections.

  • 2024

    Organized 2911 16th and 2061 Mission buildings for Sale and negotiated a Tenant Association Agreement with a Non-profit Houser and advocacy for the Small Sites Reform

Voices of Our Leaders

"I became a member to learn about my rights as a tenant. Where I used to live, I went through many difficult situations because I didn't know my rights. Now, I know that as our association grows, the stronger we get, and our voices will be heard. Stop Evictions!”

Adriana Rendon

"When I met the Southeast Tenants Association, I was motivated to educate myself about tenants' rights. I want to share what I learned with my community and empower our people, who are living in fear of being evicted."

Aurelia Ramirez

Through leadership like Adriana’s and Aurelia’s, SETA continues to grow as a force for tenant justice, empowering residents to stand up, get organized, and ensure their homes and neighborhoods remain safe and affordable for generations to come.