Dearest Community,
This last week has been trying for many of us, at the Housing Rights Committee of SF the health and safety of our community is of utmost importance. Which is why we are closing our offices until further notices and doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
We believe that physical distancing and social solidarity are both needed at this time which is why we are not distancing ourselves from our commitments to tenants in SF and will continue to provide the necessary services that keep thousands in their homes. We will still be providing services in English, Spanish, and Chinese over the phone. Just call the numbers below and leave a message with your name, number, a bit about your issue and let us know if you have Sec. 8:
- Mission Office Number – 415 – 703 – 8644 (1-5pm Mon – Thurs)
- Westside Office Number – 415 – 947 – 9085 (9am-12pm Mon, Wed-Fri; closed Tues)
Beyond making sure we are still supporting tenants, we are also working with our allies at the local and state level to demand that eviction moratoriums are passed so no one has to worry about being displaced during this public health emergency.
In SF, Mayor London Breed announced a moratorium on non-payment evictions. While this is a necessary and welcomed measure, please remember that it only covers non-payment evictions and a tenant must first tell their landlord that they cannot make rent due to the impact of COVID-19. Within one week of the notice, tenants are required to provide some form of proof they cannot pay rent. Additionally, tenants will be expected to pay the rent back and will have up to 6-months after the emergency ends to pay back any rent. If you have additional questions about the emergency moratorium on non-payment of rent give us a call. More information here, and here.
While the steps taken in San Francisco are in the right direction, we know that a true eviction and displacement moratorium is what is needed now! Sign the petitions below to let Gov. Newsom know that we need an eviction moratorium, for evictions courts halt operations and an end to the sweeps of our unhoused neighbors.
This is a time to take care of each other. Make sure to check in on your neighbors who are older, have disabilities or are parents. We need to be in connection and community now more than ever. As you all know, this situation is changing rapidly and we are working to update you all if there are any additional changes to our services and ongoing work.
Information on SF’s “stay at home” order can be found here. We will post more updates when we learn more.
As Assata Shakur has taught us, “we must love and protect each other.”
In solidarity and community amidst these challenging times
– The HRCSF staff
Additional Updates:
The public hearing at City Hall on all types of passthrough rent increases — capital improvement, bond pass-throughs, and the issues of renoviction and harassment that come with these rent hikes, originally scheduled for March 23 has been postponed.
Being able to have this necessary public conversation on closing these loopholes to our rent control ordinance is incredibly important to us. We will keep you all updated as to when the new date will.