economy

As A.I. Money Floods the Market, San Francisco Renters Weigh Buyouts

As the artificial intelligence boom sends rents and home prices soaring in San Francisco, landlords are initiating buyout negotiations, presenting many tenants with a dilemma: Accept a buyout offer or risk no-fault eviction, in which they would receive only the relocation payment required by law.Credit...Jason Henry for The New York Times

As A.I. Money Floods the Market, San Francisco Renters Weigh Buyouts

TL;DR

  • The AI boom is driving up rents and home prices in San Francisco.
  • Landlords are offering buyouts to tenants in rent-controlled apartments.
  • Tenants face a dilemma: accept a buyout or risk no-fault eviction.
  • Bernard Dethiers, a long-term tenant paying low rent, is facing eviction under the Ellis Act.
  • The building owners intend to live in the units with their families.
  • Mr. Dethiers and other tenants are contesting the evictions in court.