Harassment and lockouts in San Francisco: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the San Francisco Administrative Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Francisco's code says

San Francisco code What San Francisco's code adds
Penalties	A misdemeanor: fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months in county jail, or both. Applies: On conviction for violating the harassment rules. § 37.10B · code text Any person who is convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not greater than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. At least 3 times actual damages, or $1,000, whichever is greater. Applies: For each violation; available to the harmed party. § 37.10B · code text Any person who violates or aids or incites another person to violate the provisions of this Section is liable for each and every such offense for money damages of not less than three times actual damages suffered by an aggrieved party (including damages for mental or emotional distress), or for statutory damages in the sum of one thousand dollars, whichever is greater, and whatever other relief the court deems appropriate. Reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Applies: Awarded to a plaintiff who wins. § 37.10B · code text In addition, a prevailing plaintiff shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs pursuant to order of the court. Punitive damages may be awarded. Applies: To any plaintiff, including the City, in a proper case under state law. § 37.10B · code text The trier of fact may also award punitive damages to any plaintiff, including the City, in a proper case as defined by Civil Code Section 3294.
Tenant lawsuits	Yes; anyone, including the City, can sue to enforce these rules. § 37.10B · code text Any person, including the City, may enforce the provisions of this Section by means of a civil action.

The California rule underneath

CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Lockouts and self-help eviction banned: A landlord may not change locks, remove doors or windows, or remove the tenant's belongings to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(b)). Utility shutoffs banned: A landlord may not cut off water, heat, electricity, gas or other utilities to force a tenant out (Civ. Code § 789.3(a)). Tenant harassment and lockouts in California — the full state rule →

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Harassment and lockouts in San Francisco

What San Francisco's code says

The California rule underneath

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