Rent It Or Pay Up

Though the number of vacant commercial properties in the city is reportedly down dramatically over the past couple years, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors approved legislation by Supervisor Katy Tang to punish landlords who do not rent out empty storefronts. Citing possible crime and reduced economic activity, the legislation fines landlords of empty stores. The property owners would be exempted under certain conditions, such as making “good faith” efforts to rent, lease, or sell the store, but they need to register the vacant space with the city and would have to either rent or pay a fine for the space within 270 days.