09/19/2026
Selling the building does not automatically end the tenancy.
The sale itself does not allow the rent to be raised beyond what Chapter 37 permits, and a tenant cannot be evicted or asked to move simply because the property is being sold. For covered rental units, these rights must also be disclosed to tenants in writing before the sale.
Showings have their own rules. Property entry is governed by California Civil Code Section 1954, where 24 hours notice is generally presumed reasonable.
There are also two proposed changes being discussed in San Francisco, and neither is law yet. One would increase Ellis Act relocation payments by about 25% for applicable notices filed after January 1, 2027. The other would require landlords to provide tenants with an annual notice explaining certain tenant protections.
The full guide is in the comments. It explains how an existing tenancy can affect your buyer pool, financing and closing, and covers five ways an owner can approach a sale with tenants still in place.
General information, not legal advice.