Commercial landlord notification requirements about disability access

Commercial landlords are required to make disability access improvements or provide notifications to tenants, when entering into or amending a lease of a property less than 7,500 square feet in San Francisco.

Before entering into or amending a Lease, a commercial landlord must either:

  1. Ensure that existing public restrooms, ground floor entrances, and ground floor exits are accessible by removing all architectural barriers to disability access, to the extent that such improvements are required by and "readily achievable, i.e., easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense" within the meaning of any applicable provisions of Title 28, Sections 36.304 and 36.305, of the Code of Federal Regulations; or,
  2. Provide written notice to any prospective small business tenant that the property may not currently meet all applicable construction-related accessibility standards, including standards for public restrooms and ground floor entrances and exits (see Disability Access Obligations Notice” below).
  3. Provide written notice to any prospective small business tenant of the mandatory requirements of Chapter 11D of the Building Code that are applicable to all places of public accommodation (Accessible Business Entrance Program).

Required notices

Disability Access Obligations Notice

The landlord is required to provide a written "Disability Access Obligations" notice which has established language the landlord must use.

[English] [Chinese] [Spanish] [Filipino]
[Russian] [Vietnamese] [Japanese]

Accessible Information Notice

In addition, the landlord must provide an "Access Information Notice" brochure obtained through the Office of Small Business. Landlords must provide this brochure to tenant at the time of lease execution or amendment for spaces 7,500 sq. ft. or less. This brochure prints on 11x17 paper. Call 415-554-6134 or email sfosb@sfgov.org if you would like one mailed to you.

[English] [Chinese] [Spanish] [Filipino] [Arabic]

Read full details about San Francisco Administrative Code, Chapter 38.

Versions: Added by Ord. 187-12,  File No. 111047 effective October 11, 2021; Amended by Ord. 51-16,  File No. 150732 effective May 22, 2016.

Last updated November 1, 2024

Related

ADA compliance for business

Make your business accessible to people with disabilities. It's good for business, a civil right for all people, and an ongoing responsibility.

Certified Access Specialists

A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a professional certified by the State of California to have specialized knowledge of the applicability of state and federal construction-related accessibility standards.

Department

Office of Small Business