Senator Leno's bill (SB 1439), which radically changes the Ellis Act and strips landlords of key homeownership rights, may come to a vote on the Senate floor soon.
SB 1439 would prevent new property owners from the ability to leave the rental business, forcing all new property owners to wait at least five years before utilizing the Ellis Act - even if the owner is losing money.
Please click on the links below to send your senators an email before the vote on Thursday, telling them that the people who live and work in San Francisco oppose SB 1439.
A sample letter is provided below that you can copy and paste into the comments field. Feel free to include your own story about Ellis Act cases you have experienced.
Sample Letter
(Feel free to copy and add to the comments field when you email your Senators)
I am a San Francisco Realtor®, and I am writing to request that you vote "NO" on SB 1439 (Leno) when it comes before you on the Senate floor. SB 1439 amends the Ellis Act, forcing San Francisco property owners to hold their properties for 5 years before they are allowed to leave the rental market.
The Ellis Act was passed in 1985 and provides that no local government can force a rental property owner to continue to provide their housing for rent.
Even if rental property owners are losing money every month, SB 1439 would force property owners to stay in business against his or her will. The bill will only worsen the housing situation in San Francisco, and seriously impact the lives of small property owners and homeowner families.
As someone with intimate, on-the-ground knowledge of San Francisco, I know SB 1439 is the wrong move for the City, and the wrong policy for our housing. I urge you to vote "NO" on SB 1439.
Thank you for your service.
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