Appeal a decision by the Rent Board

Any party may appeal a Rent Board decision. Learn how to file your appeal if you disagree with a decision.

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. Submit your appeal packet

Email your appeal packet to:

No copies are required if your appeal is submitted by email. However, if your appeal packet exceeds 40 pages, it must be filed either by regular mail, delivery service or at the front counter with 16 copies provided. If filed by email, appeals must be filed as a single pdf document (no screenshots, links, videos or the like are accepted). Please do not submit multiple pdfs or multiple emails. If your appeal cannot be provided in a single pdf, please file it in person, by mail or delivery service. All supporting documents must be provided with the appeal to the board form.

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 we 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 Avenue
Suite #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
View location on google maps

Our office is currently open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays. 

Mail

Mail

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 we 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 Avenue
Suite #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
View location on google maps

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 Avenue
Suite #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
View location on google maps

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 June 7, 2023

Department