Advocacy in Action
Protecting Property Rights & San Francisco Housing
At the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® (SFAR), advocacy is at the heart of what we do. We work to protect private property rights, promote housing affordability, and ensure that local policies support a healthy, sustainable real estate market. From City Hall to regional regulatory agencies, SFAR monitors proposed legislation, engages with policymakers, and advocates for practical solutions that balance public safety, environmental goals, and the financial realities facing property owners. Here are three important issues we're watching and working on.
Gas Water Heater Ban
Addressing the Cost of Electrification
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is enforcing a ban on the sale and installation of all gas water heaters for single-family homes in 2027, and all gas water heaters for multi-family buildings in 2031.
The ban will effectively force all buildings to adopt electric water heating systems; costing homeowners up to $100,000s in upgrades and months of potential labor and electrical grid delays.
SFAR's Focus: Advocating for realistic implementation timelines, consumer choice, and solutions that prevent homeowners from facing unreasonable costs or disruptions.
FIRE SPRINKLER RETROFIT MANDATE
Protecting Housing Affordability
San Francisco's fire sprinkler retrofit requirements for certain older residential high-rise buildings could impose substantial financial burdens on property owners, particularly condominium owners living on fixed incomes.
Retrofit costs have been estimated at up to $300,000 per unit in some buildings, potentially resulting in significant special assessments or increased HOA dues.
SFAR's advocacy efforts have helped advance discussions around the mandate, including a five-year extension of the compliance timeline. We continue to support a more practical, affordable approach that protects residents without placing their financial security at risk.
SFAR's Focus: Working toward meaningful reform of the mandate, including consideration of repeal, while supporting effective and financially responsible fire safety solutions.
LOW-FLOW TOILET REQUIREMENTS Balancing Conservation & Homeowner Costs
San Francisco's fire sprinkler retrofit requirements for certain older residential high-rise buildings could impose substantial financial burdens on property owners, particularly condominium owners living on fixed incomes.
Retrofit costs have been estimated at up to $300,000 per unit in some buildings, potentially resulting in significant special assessments or increased HOA dues.
Due to the advocacy and efforts of SFAR, REALTORS®, and Homeowners, the Department of Building Inspection has agreed to extend a temporary exemption to accept existing 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilets as fully compliant with current water conservation rules!
You can ask your inspector to document the exemption using the following protocol:
Until DBI's official documentation is formally updated, please use the following interim workaround on your active inspection forms:
1. Locate the Exemption Section: Use your existing inspection forms.
2. Check the Box: Mark the exemption checkbox currently assigned to "Historical Building."
3. Manually Annotate: Write "(1.6 GPF Toilet)" clearly by hand next to the checked box to clarify the true nature of the exemption for our administrative staff.
This procedural variance (temporary exemption) is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Thank you for all your advocacy and service to San Francisco!
SFAR's Focus: Working toward meaningful reform of the mandate, including consideration of repeal, while supporting effective and financially responsible fire safety solutions.