S.F. Admin. Code ch. 37 § 37.14B
Hearing, Residential Hotel Mail Receptacles (San Francisco Rent Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) Upon receipt of a petition from a current or former permanent resident of a residential hotel alleging violation of the provisions of Administrative Code Chapter 41E , the Board through its Administrative Law Judges shall conduct a hearing in order to decide the petition. This decision may require a determination as to whether the petitioner is permanent resident. (b) Upon an Administrative Law Judge's findings of fact and decision that the operator of a residential hotel has violated the requirement to install a United States Postal Service-approved mail receptacle for receipt of mail delivered by the United States Postal Service, the Administrative Law Judge may conclude that the resident has suffered a diminution in housing services and order a corresponding reduction in rent. (c) The decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall be final unless the Board vacates the decision on appeal. (d) Either party may file an appeal of the Administrative Law Judge's decision with the Board. Such appeals are governed by Section 37.8 (f).
Section 37.14B of S.F. Admin. Code Chapter 37 establishes a hearing process through which current or former permanent residents of residential hotels can challenge alleged violations of Chapter 41E, including the requirement that hotel operators install a USPS-approved mail receptacle. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hears the petition and may determine whether the petitioner qualifies as a permanent resident. If the ALJ finds that a mail receptacle violation occurred, the ruling can treat the missing service as a reduction in housing services and order a corresponding rent reduction. The ALJ's decision becomes final unless appealed to the full Board under Section 37.8(f).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 37.14B, residential hotel operators are expected to maintain a USPS-approved mail receptacle as required by Chapter 41E, since failure to do so can trigger a formal petition and ALJ hearing before the San Francisco Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board. A compliant operator installs and maintains the required receptacle and keeps documentation of its presence and condition. If a petition is filed, the operator participates in the ALJ hearing process and, if dissatisfied with the outcome, may file an appeal with the Board pursuant to Section 37.8(f).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 37.14B gives current or former permanent residents of residential hotels the right to petition the San Francisco Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board if they believe their hotel operator has violated Chapter 41E, including the mail receptacle requirement. An ALJ will hear the case and can order a rent reduction if a violation is found to have diminished housing services. If the ALJ's decision is unfavorable, either party—including the tenant—may appeal to the full Board under Section 37.8(f); tenant-rights organizations familiar with residential hotel protections can help residents understand this process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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