What to do
1. Fill out the form
You must fill out an "Appeal to the Board" form.
On the form, tell us:
- Your case number
- The judge's name
- The date the decision was mailed
- Your name and how we can contact you
- Who the other party is and how we can contact them
- How to contact any lawyers involved
2. Prepare a written statement
Write a statement (or contact a lawyer for help) that explains why you want to appeal the Rent Board's decision.
Use the statement to explain why you think the decision was wrong or based on error. Be sure to include any important evidence or explanations that may support your position in clear manner.If your appeal is based on landlord financial hardship, you must complete a separate Hardship Appeal form.
3. Collect supporting documents
Collect any evidence to support your statement (copies of emails, bank statements).
4. Make copies
Create an appeal packet that contains your:
- Appeal form
- Written statement
- Any supporting evidence
Make enough copies of your appeal packet so that you can send it to:
- Each party in the case
- All 16 Rent Board commissioners and staff
5. Submit your appeal packet
Email your appeal packet to:
If you file your appeal by email, you must mail the 16 copies to the Rent Board the same day, or file them at the Rent Board the next business day.
In-Person
In-Person
1. Fill out the form
You must fill out an "Appeal to the Board" form.
On the form, tell us:
- Your case number
- The judge's name
- The date the decision was mailed
- Your name and how we can contact you
- Who the other party is and how we can contact them
- How to contact any lawyers involved
2. Prepare a written statement
Write a statement (or have your lawyer prepare a legal brief) that explains why you want to appeal the Rent Board's decision.
Use the statement to explain why you think the decision was wrong or based on error, or why you cannot afford it.
3. Collect supporting documents
Collect any evidence to support your statement (copies of emails, bank statements).
4. Make copies
Create an appeal packet that contains your:
- Appeal form
- Written statement
- Any supporting evidence
Make enough copies of your appeal packet so that you can send it to:
- Each party in the case
- All 16 Rent Board commissioners and staff
5. Submit your appeal packet
Bring all copies of your appeal packet to:
Rent Board
25 Van Ness AvenueSuite #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our office is currently open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays.
1. Fill out the form
You must fill out an "Appeal to the Board" form.
On the form, tell us:
- Your case number
- The judge's name
- The date the decision was mailed
- Your name and how we can contact you
- Who the other party is and how we can contact them
- How to contact any lawyers involved
2. Prepare a written statement
Write a statement (or have your lawyer prepare a legal brief) that explains why you want to appeal the Rent Board's decision.
Use the statement to explain why you think the decision was wrong or based on error, or why you cannot afford it.
3. Collect supporting documents
Collect any evidence to support your statement (copies of emails, bank statements).
4. Make copies
Create an appeal packet that contains your:
- Appeal form
- Written statement
- Any supporting evidence
Make enough copies of your appeal packet so that you can send it to:
- Each party in the case
- All 16 Rent Board commissioners and staff
5. Submit your appeal packet
Mail all copies of your appeal packet to:
Rent Board
25 Van Ness AvenueSuite #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our office is currently open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays.
Special cases
If you missed your hearing or mediation because you never received a notice in the mail
If you missed your hearing or mediation because you never received a notice in the mail
If you did not appear for your hearing or mediation because you did not receive notice of the date in the mail, you must also complete and submit a Declaration of Non-Receipt of Notice of Hearing form.
Landlord Hardship Appeal and Application
Landlord Hardship Appeal and Application
A landlord or master tenant may appeal on the basis of financial hardship provided the appeal is attached to a completed "Landlord Hardship Application." The information contained in this form will provide the Rent Board Commissioners with a basis for deciding whether or not to grant your appeal. Landlords should be aware that the Commissioners will be looking at your total financial picture, not just the income generated by the building at issue in this case.
Withdrawal a pending appeal
Withdrawal a pending appeal
To withdrawal a pending appeal, fill out this form and email it to rentboard@sfgov.org.
Get help
Rent Board
25 Van Ness AvenueSuite #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our office is currently open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays.
Phone
Rent Board counselor
Phone counseling hours are Monday - Friday 9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Last updated December 14, 2022