FAQs for Shelter-in-Place
The San Francisco Health Officer has published an FAQ that addresses some tenant questions such as:
Can real estate agents show residences in person?
Generally, no. Real estate agents, escrow agents, and other service providers that facilitate residential transactions like home sales and apartment rentals are essential workers, but all appointments and viewings must happen virtually (via video or livestream). Only if a virtual viewing is not possible, then in-person showings can occur by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time from the same household, and only one agent showing the unit. In-person showings or walk-throughs are not allowed when the occupant is still living in the residence.
Can I move into a new house/apartment?
You can move into a new house or apartment only in a few circumstances:
- If the move was pre-planned and it is not possible to defer it;
- If the move is necessary to preserve access to shelter;
- If the move is necessary to avoid domestic violence or child abuse;
- If the move is necessitated by safety, sanitation, or habitability reasons.
If moving into or out of the Bay Area region, individuals are strongly urged to quarantine for 14 days.
I am a landlord for a unit where each of the tenants has a separate lease for a bedroom, and they share living, dining, and bathroom space. One of the bedrooms is vacant, and the others are occupied. Can I execute a lease and move in a new tenant into the vacant room?
No. Involuntary changes to the members of a household, or to the composition of individuals in a dormitory or shared bedroom setting, are not permitted at this time.
Can my company continue to provide janitorial services to businesses?
Yes, janitorial services are allowed because they are necessary for health and sanitation.
If I’m outside San Francisco travelling for vacation or business, am I allowed to come home?
Yes, the Order allows you to come home. But you may need to self-isolate for 14 days if you were possibly exposed to COVID-19.
