San Francisco’s Proposition G would impose a five-year descending transfer tax rate on multi-unit residential property in an effort to deter speculation. Tenants cannot be evicted merely because building is sold, so the aim of this measure is to stop the use of the Ellis Act to terminate tenancies and sell owner-occupied Tenancy-in-Common units. Proposition G follows San Francisco’s recent effort to frustrate use of the Ellis Act by significantly increasing the statutory relocation assistance payment. San Francisco has also attempted to undermine TIC sales directly by eliminating contractual exclusive rights of occupancy.
