San Francisco Eviction Battle: A 94-Year-Old’s Home Saved
A heartwarming story recently unfolded in San Francisco, where a 94-year-old resident, Helen Byrne, faced an eviction threat from the home she’s lived in for 82 years. Despite a landlord’s attempt to capitalize on the city’s high rents, community support and media attention ultimately secured her ability to remain in her beloved quadplex. This case highlights the ongoing challenges balancing landlord profits with crucial tenant protections in the Bay Area.
Helen Byrne’s Decades-Long Sanctuary Threatened
Helen Byrne, who has called the same San Francisco quadplex home since she was 12, found her lifelong dream of living out her final years there in jeopardy. After suffering a fall last year, leaving her mostly bed-ridden, the thought of leaving a place filled with precious memories was devastating. Her building, subject to San Francisco’s rent control ordinance, was sold in 2020, setting the stage for a profit-driven eviction attempt by the new owner.
The Stark Reality of San Francisco Rents
San Francisco’s rental market is notoriously expensive, with the median apartment rent soaring over $3,300—a staggering 120% higher than the national median. However, Byrne and her long-term neighbors were paying significantly less, thanks to the city’s rent control ordinance passed in 1979. This law protects tenants in buildings constructed before that date from drastic rent increases.
The new owner, identified as Cesar Chavez LLC and managed by Daniel Mytels, purchased the property seeing “almost impossibly good value.” Mytels noted the building was “burdened with four long-term occupants paying a total $3,800 or so in total rent per month,” clearly indicating his desire to unlock the property’s “full income potential.”
A Look at the Numbers: SF Rent vs. Helen’s Home
| Rental Metric | San Francisco Median (Apartment) | Helen Byrne’s Building (Avg. per unit, pre-eviction) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | $3,300+ | ~$950 |
| Potential Rent Upside (per unit) | N/A | $2,000 – $2,500 |
The Ellis Act and the Fight for Tenant Rights
When initial offers of “significant money to vacate” were refused, Mytels resorted to the Ellis Act. This California law allows landlords to evict residential tenants if they intend to withdraw their property from the rental market for at least five years. While designed to allow landlords to exit the rental business, tenant advocates often view it as a loophole to bypass rent control and increase profits.
Byrne and the other tenants, after receiving formal eviction notices, secured a one-year extension under the Ellis Act due to their age. Still, they refused to leave, opting instead to fight the eviction in court. They sought assistance from the Tenderloin Housing Clinic (THC), a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting the displacement of low-income residents.
As Steve Collier, a managing attorney at THC, remarked, “I think you have to look at that in the context of potentially destroying the lives of four families by kicking them out just so that he can make a profit. I think that’s morally wrong.”
Community Rallies, Landlord Reverses Course
The story gained significant media attention, drawing widespread condemnation. Facing public scrutiny, Daniel Mytels ultimately reversed his decision. In a statement, he explained, “When we learned of 94-year-old Helen Byrne’s long history in this building and saw her new health condition and felt her deep community there, we decided we had to commit to keeping Ms. Byrne and the other residents in their homes.” This outcome underscores the power of public awareness and advocacy in protecting vulnerable tenants.
What This Means for San Francisco Locals
Helen Byrne’s case serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for affordable housing and tenant security in San Francisco. While her story had a happy ending, it highlights how rent control ordinances are crucial protections that landlords may try to circumvent to maximize profits. The vigilance of community organizations like the Tenderloin Housing Clinic and the impact of media attention are vital in such battles.
Frequently Asked Questions About SF Tenant Rights
- What is San Francisco’s Rent Control Ordinance?
It’s a law that limits how much landlords can raise rent in residential properties built before June 13, 1979, and provides “just cause” eviction protections. - What is the Ellis Act?
A California state law that allows landlords to evict tenants if they intend to permanently remove their rental units from the market for at least five years. It often faces criticism for being used to bypass local rent control. - Where can San Francisco tenants find help if they face eviction?
Organizations like the Tenderloin Housing Clinic (THC), Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, and other tenant advocacy groups offer legal aid and support for residents facing displacement. - Are all rental properties in San Francisco subject to rent control?
No, properties built after June 13, 1979, and certain other exemptions (like single-family homes or condos, though they still have some eviction protections) are generally not covered by the full extent of rent control.
This inspiring story proves that even in San Francisco’s challenging housing market, collective action and a strong community voice can protect long-term residents and their homes. It’s a call for local residents to stay informed about their tenant rights and support organizations fighting for housing justice.
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