FAQ

Q. Can I get past SF Apartment magazine articles online?
A. Yes, select articles from the current and past magazine editions are online and go as far back as 2001.

Q. How do I download forms online?
A. Visit our Rental Forms section under Resources and you will be directed to the log in site for the California Apartment Association where members can download forms and instruction sheets for free.

Q. How much can I now raise rent this year?
A. The allowable rent increase from the Rent Board for 2013-2014 is an increase of 1.9%. Remember you can bank the increase for use at a later date. For more information, see this document (pdf) from the San Francisco Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board.

Q. What’s the new security deposit interest?
A. As of March 1, 2012 the new amount is 1.9%. Remember to give it annually!

Q. Can the SFAA provide legal advice for the dues we're paying?
A: The SFAA has no attornies on staff and cannot provide legal advice.
However the staff and magazine have over 50 years of combined experience in dealing with any number of operational questions that may arise in your daily landlording life. There is no question that we cannot attempt to steer you in the right direction.

Q. Can I pay my SFAA invoices with a credit card?
A. Yes, members are welcome to call in, or mail in your billing statement with your Visa or MasterCard number.

Q. What’s the Rent Board Fee?
A. The rent board fee supports the SF Rent Board, which provides services for tenants. The cost shows up on your November tax bill. You can pass through 50% of this cost to your tenants. For all tenants in residency from 2010 to 2011, the rent board fee is $14.50. (Resource: San Francisco Residental Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board PDF document outlining allowable rent increases, security deposit interest, rent board fees.)

Q. What’s the best way to stay informed about rental property issues?
A. Become a member, attend our monthly membership meeting and read your SF Apartment magazine. All will benefit you greatly and keep you up-to-date on all new laws, issues and policies that effect you as an owner.

Q. Can I come to the SFAA office?
A. Yes, all members and non-members are welcome. We're located at 265 Ivy Street, between Franklin and Gough.

Q. Do you have classes for new landlords?
A. Yes, watch for our announcement of Landlord 101 and many other highly recommended classes, including the California Certified Residential Manager series. In two days, Landlord 101 covers all the basics of starting the tenancy, the lease agreement and ending the tenancy. CCRM will give you the knowledge you need to understand and perform the day-to-day tasks of property management. We notify all SFAA Members via email about our class offerings, and you can learn more about our classes by visiting our education page.

Q. Does the SFAA provide legal advice?
A. Yes, but only at our monthly membership meetings. Attend the first half hour of our legal forum where we have a panel of local landlord attorneys available to answer and provide FREE legal advice.

Q. How can I network with San Francisco property owners like myself?
A. Attend our monthly membership meetings and you will meet 200+ people just like yourself.

Q. I only own one unit, do I need to join?
A. Yes, more than ever you need to protect your property. Owning rental property and having tenants is an important job and requires specific forms, disclosure documents and a whole host of other requirements. And 40% of our members have 1-4 units.

Q. Can you recommend an attorney?
A. Yes, visit our Associate Member Professional Services Directory and you will find a list of all attorneys that are members of our organization. Don't forget to tell them you are a member of the SFAA!

Q. I need workers comp insurance, do you offer that?
A. Yes, we offer a great discount to members that require workers comp insurance. Call our offices and we will direct you to our carrier.

Q. How can I get advice?
A. Members can call our office between the hours of 9 am-5 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (and Wednesdays from 9 am-4 pm) and receive unlimited property management advice.

Q. How can I get a copy of the SFAA’s Bylaws?
A. Our Bylaws are available here (pdf).

Q. How can I get a copy of the SFAA’s Financial statement?
A. Our latest financial statement is available here (pdf).