Eviction Prevention Resources

MOHCD funds community-based organizations that help San Franciscans handle eviction papers, threats of eviction, housing conflict, and financial help. These organizations can also help renters whose buildings are going through foreclosure. MOHCD also has a program for renters to avoid displacement.

There are other legal resources that can help with housing issues. Some of these provide services in other languages and for low-income populations.

If you have received any of the following papers, get legal help immediately

  • Summons or Complaint for "Unlawful Detainer," or
  • A "Notice to Vacate" from the Sheriff's Department

You need emergency legal services if you receive either.

Eviction Defense Collaborative

1338 Mission Street, 4th Floor
Drop-In Clinic:  Monday – Friday (9 am – 11 am, 1 pm – 3 pm)

http://evictiondefense.org
415-947-0797

If you have received a threat of eviction or a notice from your landlord:

Get advice from a tenant counselor. You may have rights to stay in your home.

  • San Francisco Tenants Union

    https://www.sftu.org

    558 Capp Street
    Drop-in Counseling:  Monday – Saturday
    (check online for hours)

    415-282-6622 

     

  • Housing Rights Committee

    http://hrcsf.org

    Mission Office - 1663 Mission Street, Suite 504
    Counseling:  Monday – Thursday (1 pm – 5 pm)
    415-703-8644

    Richmond Office – 4301 Geary Boulevard (at 7th Avenue)
    Counseling: Monday, Wednesday – Friday (9 am – 12 pm)
    415-947-9085

 

If you're having conflict with your landlord or another tenant:

For residents of supportive and affordable housing, the Bar Association of San Francisco provides mediators for free, to help you resolve disputes. These services are available for all other residents on a sliding scale.

Conflict Intervention Service

Helpline:  415-782-8940
Email: cis@sfbar.org

https://www.sfbar.org/adr/cis.aspx

  1. Call the helpline for a free phone consultation to resolve disputes. You can also email cis@sfbar.org
  2. If needed, a free mediation session with a social worker may be organized. This session is voluntary and confidential for all parties involved.
     

If you are renting a unit in a building going through foreclosure

Contact one of the following agencies for advice:

  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus
    (Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and English)

    Drop-in clinics: 1st, 3rd, and last Tuesday of every month 10am-12pm

    55 Columbus Avenue
    415-896-1701
    https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/

  • Causa Justa :: Just Cause
    (Spanish)

    Free counseling and case management for low-income tenants in Oakland and San Francisco. All counselors speak Spanish.

    2301 Mission Street, Suite 201
    415-487-9203
    https://www.cjjc.org
     

  • Eviction Defense Collaborative

    1338 Mission Street, 4th Floor
    Drop-In Clinic:  Monday – Friday (9 am – 11 am, 1 pm – 3 pm)

    http://evictiondefense.org
    415-947-0797

     


     

  • Housing Rights Committee

    http://hrcsf.org

    Mission Office - 1663 Mission Street, Suite 504
    Counseling:  Monday – Thursday (1 pm – 5 pm)
    415-703-8644

    Richmond Office – 4301 Geary Boulevard (at 7th Avenue)
    Counseling: Monday, Wednesday – Friday (9 am – 12 pm)
    415-947-9085

If you need one-time financial help:

You can contact the following organizations about rent assistance.

Avoid displacement

MOHCD's Small Sites Program (SSP)

SSP can help you stay in your home, by converting your building to permanently affordable housing. A nonprofit can buy your building before an investor does.

Read more about SSP and nominate your building

Other legal resources

In other languages

  • Causa Justa :: Just Cause
    (Spanish)

    Free counseling and case management for low-income tenants in Oakland and San Francisco. All counselors speak Spanish.

    2301 Mission Street, Suite 201
    415-487-9203
    https://www.cjjc.org

  • La Raza Centro Legal's Housing Law Program
    (Spanish)

    Offers legal representation to monolingual Spanish-speaking low-income tenants.

    Make an appointment for a consultation: 415-575-3500

    474 Valencia Street #295
    http://www.lrcl.org

  • Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
    (Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Spanish, Russian, and Cantonese)

    Offers full legal representation for eviction defense.

    1121 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
    415-567-6255
    http://www.apilegaloutreach.org

  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus
    (Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and English)

    Drop-in clinics: 1st, 3rd, and last Tuesday of every month 10am-12pm

    55 Columbus Avenue
    415-896-1701
    https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/

For low-income

  • Tenderloin Housing Clinic Legal Services

    Primarily represent seniors, the disabled, and minority and immigrant families, in long-term rent-controlled units.

    Call for a consultation: 415-771-9850

    126 Hyde Street
    http://www.thclinic.org
     

  • Bay Area Legal Aid

    Free legal advice, counsel, and representation related to housing preservation.

    Legal Advice Line: (800) 551-5554 (toll-free) or (415) 354-6360
    Hours: Mon & Thurs 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Tues & Wed 9:30 AM – 1 PM

    https://baylegal.org

     

Note: This list of resources is by no means a complete list of everything available in the City. It should be a starting point for further reference.