SEC. 1392. SUBDIVIDER TO PROVIDE MOVING EXPENSES.
§ 1392
When a residential building is converted (typically to condominiums), the property owner must pay moving expenses for displaced tenants, up to $1,000 or the amount set by the Central Relocation Services agency's schedule, whichever the tenant chooses. This obligation generally lasts 120 days or the length of any extended lease, with exceptions for seniors and disabled tenants who may move out later.
If you live in an apartment building that's being converted to condos, the owner has to pay your moving costs when you have to leave. You can get reimbursed for your actual moving expenses (up to $1,000) or use the fixed amount that the Central Relocation Services agency allows, whichever you prefer. You usually have 120 days to move and claim this help, but if you're 62 or older or permanently disabled, you can move later and still get help. If someone else is renting from you (a subtenant), you both split the moving costs based on what each of you actually pays to move your stuff. If you move in after someone files for conversion, you don't get this help unless the owner agrees to give it to you.
- Complex:The section involves cross-references to Section 1391 (lease extensions and tenant protections), the role of the Central Relocation Services agency, and special rules for subtenants and elderly/disabled tenants that require understanding multiple conditions.
- Controversial:Conversion of rental housing to condos and tenant relocation is a politically contested issue in San Francisco, with ongoing debate about whether these protections are adequate.
AI-generated · claude-haiku-4-5 · informational only, not legal advice.
Official text
(a) The subdivider shall bear the cost of moving expenses of any tenant who relocates from the building to be converted. The tenant, at his or her option, shall be reimbursed either for the actual moving expenses up to a maximum of $1,000, or for the fixed amount allowed by the moving expense schedule of the Central Relocation Services agency. In the event the unit is occupied by a subtenant under an agreement with the tenant, the moving expense reimbursement herein provided shall be shared proportionately by both parties in relation to the actual costs of moving the property of each party.
(b) Availability for such assistance shall be limited to the 120-day period or the period of any lease extension as provided in Section 1391(a) unless a contrary agreement is reached by the subdivider and tenant; provided that tenants aged 62 years or older, or permanently disabled whose tenancy is extended pursuant to Section 1391(c), would be eligible for such assistance at such time that such tenant elects to voluntarily vacate the unit and gives due notice therefor.
(c) Those parties who lease a unit subsequent to the date of filing the application for conversion shall not be eligible to receive assistance provided in this Section unless such an agreement is made between the subdivider and prospective tenant.