Last Updated: April 2026 | San Francisco Rent Board & Dept of Public Health
San Francisco tenants face two unique challenges: Old Victorian buildings (which have gaps for mice) and dense living (which spreads bed bugs). Fortunately, San Francisco has the most aggressive Rent Board in California. If your landlord ignores a pest infestation, you can legally file for a reduction in your rent.
To fix the problem, you need to report it to the correct department. Using the SF311 app is the fastest way to start.
Who Do I Call? (DBI vs. DPH)
Structural Issues
Dept of Building Inspection (DBI)
Call if mice/rats are entering through holes in walls, broken windows, or lack of weatherproofing.
📞 Dial 3-1-1Public Health
Dept of Public Health (SFDPH)
Call for Bed Bugs in SROs/Hotels, Mosquitoes, garbage buildup, or cockroach infestations.
📞 Dial 3-1-1Quick Navigation:
1. Decrease in Services (Lower Your Rent)
This is your most powerful tool in San Francisco. Under the Rent Ordinance, pest control is considered a “Housing Service.” If your landlord fails to provide a pest-free unit, they have effectively reduced your service.
File a Petition:
You can file a “Decrease in Services” Petition with the Rent Board. If the Administrative Law Judge rules in your favor, they can order a reduction in your base rent until the pests are gone. This hits the landlord where it hurts: their wallet.
Form: Petition for Decrease in Housing Services (Form 527)
2. SROs & Bed Bug Disclosure Laws
San Francisco has unique laws regarding Bed Bugs, especially for Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.
The Disclosure Rule
Before you sign a lease, the landlord MUST disclose the bed bug history of the unit for the past two years under Civil Code § 1954.602. If they hide this information, you may have grounds to break the lease without penalty.
Mandatory Cooperation
Tenants also have a duty. You must allow pest control entry (with 24-hour notice) and prepare the unit (bagging clothes, moving furniture). If you refuse entry, you can be evicted for “Nuisance.”
3. How to Report (The SF311 Process)
San Francisco centralizes complaints through SF311. This creates a public record that the Rent Board can use as evidence.
- Step 1: Download the SF311 App or go to SF311.org.
- Step 2: Select “Housing & Buildings” -> “Residential Building Complaint.”
- Step 3: Describe the pest. Attach photos of the bugs or the holes in the wall.
- Step 4: The city will route it to either DBI (Building Inspection) or DPH (Health) automatically.
4. The San Francisco Tenants Union
If you are facing eviction or harassment because you reported bugs, you need backup. The SF Tenants Union is a legendary non-profit resource.
- Drop-In Clinic: They offer counseling on how to file Rent Board petitions.
- Eviction Defense: They can connect you with legal aid if you receive an “Ellis Act” or “Nuisance” eviction notice.
Need Immediate Financial or Legal Help?
If you cannot afford to wait for the Rent Board, or if you need an emergency grant to hire an exterminator using the “Repair and Deduct” remedy (Civil Code § 1942), there are local programs available to assist SF renters.
View San Francisco Assistance Programs & Grants5. Official Demand Letter Generator
Before filing with SF311 or the Rent Board, you must provide written notice to your landlord. Use our tool below to instantly generate a legally formatted Civil Code § 1941.1 demand letter.
Civil Code 1941.1 Demand Letter Generator
Instantly generate a legally formatted notice to send to your landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can file a “Decrease in Services” Petition (Form 527) with the San Francisco Rent Board. If approved, the Administrative Law Judge can order a rent reduction retroactive to when the problem started.
Call 3-1-1 immediately. This will route your complaint to the Department of Public Health (DPH), which has specific oversight for SROs and hotels to prevent widespread outbreaks.
Yes. Under the SF Health Code, landlords must hire a professional pest control operator. They cannot just give you a can of spray. However, you must cooperate with preparation instructions (bagging clothes) or risk eviction.
Landlord Approved the Repairs?
If the SF Rent Board ordered your landlord to fix the problem, or if you are repairing and deducting, ensure you hire a reputable, SPCB-licensed company to guarantee the job is done right and you have the proper legal invoices.
View San Francisco Pest Control Pros