San Francisco
San Francisco Tenant Rights Attorney
Cases under the SF Rent Ordinance (Chapter 37). No fee unless we win.
Why SF tenant cases are valuable
San Francisco has had one of the strongest tenant ordinances in the country since 1979. For long-term tenants, the gap between their controlled rent and current SF market rates is often the core of a wrongful eviction case — and that gap can be substantial. A tenant paying $1,900/month for a unit renting at $5,200 on the open market is sitting on a rent differential that becomes the foundation of actual damages.
That’s before the multiplier. SF Admin Code § 37.9(f) requires treble damages — not less than 3× actual damages — for wrongful evictions in violation of the Rent Ordinance. Attorney’s fees are recovered separately by the prevailing party. No-fault evictions (OMI, Ellis Act, demolition) also require substantial relocation assistance, and just cause is required for almost all evictions regardless of whether the unit is rent-controlled.
3× actual
Treble damages
Mandatory
Attorney's fees
All units
Just cause required
1979
Established
For the full statutory framework — every just cause, exemption, and exception — see our SF Rent Ordinance reference (Chapter 37).
What I handle in SF
Wrongful Eviction
Your landlord got you out through means that weren't legally valid.
Learn more →
Owner Move-In (OMI)
Your landlord said they or a relative needed the unit — and then didn't move in, or moved out early.
Learn more →
Ellis Act
Your landlord withdrew the building from the rental market.
Learn more →
Constructive Eviction
Conditions in your unit became so bad you had no real choice but to leave.
Learn more →
Rent Control Violations
Your rent was raised beyond what the ordinance allows.
Learn more →
Tenant Harassment
Your landlord's conduct was designed to pressure you out.
Learn more →
How SF cases work
01
Free screening call
15–20 minutes. Cody listens to what happened, asks about your rent and tenancy, and tells you honestly whether there's a case.
02
Case evaluation
If the facts support a claim, Cody reviews any notices, Rent Board records, and evidence — typically within two weeks of the screening call.
03
Engagement on contingency
No upfront fee. Bowlay Law takes the case on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
04
Filing → settlement
Most SF wrongful eviction cases settle within 10–18 months. Cody handles filing, discovery, negotiation, and — when necessary — trial.
Why work with Bowlay Law on an SF case
Plaintiff-side only
Practice focuses on California tenant law. No landlord work, no conflicts.
SF Rent Board familiar
The local procedures, filing requirements, and common landlord tactics are known quantities.
Direct attorney communication
Cody handles the case directly. No associate handoff, no junior staff fielding your calls.
Contingency only
No upfront fee, no hourly billing. You pay nothing unless we win.
San Francisco tenant? Let’s talk.
Free screening call. 15–20 minutes. No commitment.
No fee unless we win · Contingency fee · SF tenants only
For attorneys, journalists, and tenants who want the full statutory text: SF Rent Ordinance Reference (Chapter 37) →