Tenants Complain S.F. Affordable Rental Program Lets Landlords Play Favorites

Kahleel says hundreds of BMRs are currently available for rent but are not occupied.

“The program was designed to get affordable housing to hard-working people — teachers, firefighters — not to sit empty. Our owners want these units filled,” she said.

She blames red tape at City Hall.

“It can take months to get somebody qualified and then moved in. In some cases we have owners who have had units vacant for six months,” said Khaleel.


While market-rate apartments in the building get luxury upgrades, Osgood says BMR units are neglected, even though rents are rising. Osgood relayed a rumor that: “in the past employees have been placed into below market rate units,” he said.