San Francisco · Task guide

Review a sublet, assignment or occupant change in San Francisco

Three different things that get called 'someone else moving in'. San Francisco's Rent Board Rules protect certain roommate replacements and additions. Classify the request, check the applicable rule, and record a decision with the questions still open.

Preparation0 of 4 stages

Preparation only. Nothing is saved to an account.

Change type:Replacement roommateAdditional occupantSublet / assignment

Stage 1 of 4

Classify the request

Different rules for a replacement, an addition and a true sublet.

Replacement roommateAn original occupant leaves and a new one moves in; the tenant stays.Additional occupantSomeone moves in with the tenant, who stays; occupancy goes up.Sublet / assignmentThe tenant leaves for a period or for good and someone else takes over.

Change type	Replacement roommate	Additional occupant	Sublet / assignment
Your consent	Check replacement protections and lease terms; unreasonable refusal may be prohibited	Check occupancy limits and family-member rules	Review the lease and applicable subletting / assignment rules
Rent	No automatic increase for a one-for-one replacement	No automatic increase for an additional occupant within applicable limits	Vacancy-rate increase requires a separate assessment
Before eviction	Check written warning and cure requirements	Same	Same; do not infer an eviction right from this guide
Screening	Only lawful criteria permitted for the request	Same	Lawful, consistent criteria
Document	Request, response, occupant list and inventory history	Same	Consent, transfer terms and inventory update

Rent Board Rules 6.15A–E and Ordinance §37.9(a)(2). Confirm the rule for the actual request before acting.