Topic No. 360: Unlawful Initial Rent Claims by a Subtenant

A tenant who subleases his or her entire rental unit may charge a subtenant no more rent upon initial occupancy than that rent which the tenant is currently paying to the landlord. If the subtenant believes that the initial rent paid to the master tenant, either individually or in combination with other subtenants, is more than the master tenant is paying to the landlord, he or she may file a Tenant Petition alleging rent overcharges with the Rent Board.

To receive a copy of the Tenant Petition form, you can fax it to yourself through our faxback system by calling 252-4660, or visit our website at www.sfgov.org/rentboard. The form is also available at our office.

June 2006