What this calculator does
Most San Francisco apartments in buildings first occupied before June 13, 1979 are covered by the Rent Ordinance, which limits yearly increases for sitting tenants to a percentage set by the Rent Board each March. For 03/01/2026 through 02/28/2027 that figure is 1.6%. This calculator applies it, plus any banked increases, and checks a proposed rent against the limit.
How to use it
- Enter your current rent.
- Keep the 1.6% allowable increase or change it for a different period.
- Add banked increases only if your landlord is using unused prior-year increases.
- Enter a proposed rent to check it.
The formula
Maximum new rent = current rent × (1 + allowable increase + banked increases). The allowable increase is 60% of the Bay Area CPI change, capped at 7%.
Worked example
Using the default inputs shown in the calculator above:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Current rent | $3,000 |
| Annual allowable increase (1.60%) | $48 |
| Banked increases (0.00%) | $0 |
| Maximum new rent | $3,048 |
Maximum new monthly rent: $3,048.00. An increase of up to $48.00 a month (1.60%).
The limit is your current rent times the allowable percentage. Enter a proposed rent to check it against the limit.
How rent control works in San Francisco
Landlords can raise rent once every 12 months with proper written notice, and can bank increases they did not take in earlier years. Capital improvement and utility passthroughs are separate petitions. Newer buildings are not covered by local rent limits but may fall under California's statewide cap (AB 1482), which allows 5% plus inflation up to 10%.
San Francisco has some of the highest rents and home prices in the country, with a large share of housing in older buildings covered by the city's rent ordinance. Neighborhoods range from the Mission and SoMa to the Sunset, Richmond and Bernal Heights, and fog belt western neighborhoods often cost less than central ones.
Common mistakes and tips
- Assuming every apartment is rent-controlled — building age and type matter.
- Missing the notice rules: increases generally need at least 30 days' written notice.
- Not checking whether a passthrough was approved by the Rent Board.
- Forgetting that the allowable increase changes every March 1.
Frequently asked questions
How much can my landlord raise rent in San Francisco in 2026?
For rent-controlled units, 1.6% for increases effective 03/01/2026 through 02/28/2027, plus any lawful banked increases.
Is my apartment rent-controlled?
Generally, units in buildings with a certificate of occupancy before June 13, 1979 are covered, with exceptions. The Rent Board can confirm.
What are banked increases?
Allowable increases a landlord did not use in earlier years, which can be added later within Rent Board rules.
Where can I get help?
The San Francisco Rent Board offers counseling and petition forms.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.