S.F. Police Code Article 49 § 4917
CITY UNDERTAKING LIMITED TO PROMOTION OF GENERAL WELFARE (San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance)
Operative Text
In enacting and implementing this Article, the City is assuming an undertaking only to promote the general welfare. The City is not assuming, nor is it imposing on its officers and employees, an obligation for breach of which it is liable in money damages to any person who claims that such breach proximately caused injury. This Article does not create a legally enforceable right against the City.
San Francisco Police Code Article 49 § 4917 establishes that the City's role in enacting and carrying out Article 49 is limited to promoting the general welfare — it is not a guarantee of individual protection. The provision explicitly states that neither the City nor its officers and employees can be held financially liable if someone claims that a failure to enforce or implement the Article caused them harm. No legally enforceable right against the City is created by this Article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.F. Police Code Article 49 § 4917, landlords should understand that the City's administration of Article 49 does not create a private right of action against municipal authorities. Compliant operators generally rely on the Article's substantive provisions for guidance on their own obligations, rather than expecting the City to bear liability for enforcement gaps. Awareness of this limitation helps property managers understand the boundaries of the regulatory framework they operate within.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.F. Police Code Article 49 § 4917 makes clear that the City does not assume financial liability if its implementation or enforcement of Article 49 falls short and a tenant claims injury as a result. This means tenants cannot sue the City for money damages based solely on an alleged breach of the City's duties under this Article. Tenants who believe their rights under Article 49 have been violated may still explore other avenues, such as raising violations as a defense in housing proceedings, contacting the San Francisco Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
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 12, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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