What to do
If you have experienced a recent financial hardship and need one-time help with back rent or need help with a security deposit, visit the SF ERAP online application to see if you are eligible to apply. Financial assistance is available only to households most at risk of housing loss or homelessness. Funding is limited and SF ERAP will not be able to serve every household who meets minimum eligibility criteria.
If you have questions about your SF ERAP application, you may contact the SF ERAP Helpline at (415) 653-5744 or help@sferap.org.
Learn more about SF ERAP’s Program Rules and find answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
If you need help negotiating a payment plan with your landlord, you or your landlord may contact the Bar Association of San Francisco’s CIS Program at (415) 782-8940 or cis@sfbar.org.
If you receive eviction documents, immediately seek legal help from the Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) at (415) 659-9184 or legal@evictiondefense.org, or visit EDC at 976 Mission St., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday, 10-11:30 am and 1-2:30 pm.
If you need advice about your specific situation, contact the Rent Board, a mediator, a tenant counselor, or another resource listed under our community partners page. All these services are available at no cost.
Eviction protections
Local Eviction Protections for Tenants Beginning July 1, 2022
Landlords and tenants should be aware that Mayor Breed signed legislation that prohibits landlords from evicting residential tenants for non-payment of rent that originally came due on or after July 1, 2022 and was not paid due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also prohibits landlords from imposing late fees, penalties, or similar charges on tenants who are unable to pay their post-July 2022 rent due to COVID-19.
Please note that pandemic-impacted tenants with past-due rent that came due between July 1, 2022 and August 29, 2023 (60 days after the end of the Mayor’s Proclamation of Local Emergency) are permanently protected against eviction for non-payment of rent that came due during this period. These protections will not apply to rent that comes due on or after August 30, 2023.
This legislation does not protect tenants against eviction if the rental debt was incurred prior to July 1, 2022.
While tenants may be protected from eviction, the rental debt is still owed – it is not forgiven. For rental debt legal help, contact Bay Area Legal Aid at (415) 982-1300 to schedule an appointment.
The eviction legal process moves quickly so do not delay: contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative at (415) 659-9184 or legal@evictiondefense.org to get free legal help as soon as possible.
Financial assistance may be available if you are in court facing eviction.
Get help
Get free help from a counselor
Visit our community partners to find a housing counselor near you to assist with your housing needs and concerns.
Last updated June 21, 2023