Unit Information Lookup
A guide to looking up information (including rent ceilings) about units in the Rent Board’s database, understanding the search results, and correcting inaccuracies.
The Rent Board has moved to a new rent registry database. The unit lookup process described below replaces searches on the Rent Board’s former My Rent Ceiling page and will let you see information in our database about fully covered and partially covered (Measure MM) units. You do not need to create an account to look up a property. The benefits of an account are discussed below.
Unit lookup process
- Access the rent registry using the button below
- Enter the property address into the search bar at the top of the page
- On the search results page, click the “Open” button on your desired result
What information will I see?
Use the bottom scroll bar to scroll right to see all fields. Up to five units display at a time. For properties with more than five units, click through the numbers below the scroll bar to see the rest of the units. Some fields, like “Number of Occupants,” are self-explanatory. For others, read on to learn more.
Common Unit Status codes
- RENTED: Fully covered unit that is rented
- NEW: New construction unit
- CHSFD: Single-family home or condo
- OOCC: Owner occupied
- OWNUSE: Owner’s use
- COMM: Commercial use
- NAR: Not available for rent
- ADU: Accessory Dwelling Unit
Unit Regulation Type
Shows whether the unit is fully or partially covered by the Rent Ordinance.
Initial Rent
The rent first agreed upon when the tenancy began (before any rent increases).
Current Rent
Fully covered units: This field will be blank. Rents for these units are regulated, so our database tracks the rent ceiling (the maximum rent that can be charged) rather than what is actually being charged (which could be below, but not above, the rent ceiling).
Partially covered units: These units do not have a rent ceiling because the rent is not regulated. Instead, our database shows the last current rent reported by the landlord. Landlords only have to report this information once a year. They do not have to report every change.
Apparent Lawful Rent Ceiling
Fully covered units: The maximum rent the landlord can charge. Landlords can charge under, but not over, the rent ceiling.
Partially covered units: This field will be blank because partially covered units do not have rent stabilization protections, and thus do not have a rent ceiling.
Start Date of Tenancy/Move-In Date
Fully covered units: For tenancies that began on or after January 1, 1996, the actual start date of your tenancy should show. For tenancies that began before 1996, the tenancy start date will be shown as 5/31/80 or the first time the unit was rented thereafter.
Partially covered units: If there has not been a new tenancy since the last time the owner was required to report tenancy information during the annual billing cycle, the actual start date of your tenancy should be shown.
Common Occupant Type codes
- Tenant: Unit occupied by a tenant
- Owner: Unit occupied by an owner
- Vacant: Unit is vacant
- Manager: Unit occupied by property manager
- Rent-Free: Unit occupied rent-free
Data inaccuracies
Our database reflects the information that is reported to us, which is sometimes wrong. Data entry mistakes also happen. The most common cause of inaccuracies is outdated information. Read on to learn more about why the information in our database may seem or be wrong.
Fully covered units
Failure to report a new tenancy: Landlords are supposed to report all new tenancies to the Rent Board within 15 days of the tenancy start date. If a new tenancy is not reported, the information from the last tenancy will show in our database. Tenants: Before assuming you’re being overcharged for rent, check the tenancy start date and initial rent. If they are wrong, it may be that the landlord has not reported your tenancy and the information you are seeing is old.
Pre-1999 tenancies: With Rent Board approval, the landlord can pass through a small portion of the registration fee to these tenants. This pass-through does not become part of the unit’s rent ceiling, so you may be paying a bit more than the rent ceiling reflected in our database if your landlord has taken the pass-through. You may qualify for a pass-through reimbursement.
Partially covered units
Landlords are required to report tenancy and rent information only once a year during the annual registration billing cycle, which runs from June 1 through July 31. If information in our database seems out of date, it could be because there have been changes since the last time the landlord was required to report.
Correcting data inaccuracies
Landlords
The easiest way to report or correct information is online through your rent registry account. You can also submit a Vacancy Registration Form (for fully covered units) or Tenancy Registration Statement for Partially Covered Units to report a new tenancy or correct information related to a current tenancy. If you are correcting information, please let us know.
Tenants
Tenants cannot update tenancy or unit information in our rent registry even with an account. You must submit a Vacancy Registration Form (for fully covered units) or Tenancy Registration Statement for Partially Covered Units along with a copy of your lease. The Rent Board cannot process these forms from a tenant without the lease.
Accounts
Landlords
All landlords (or their agents) should have an account to pay the annual registration fee and update tenancy and unit information online. Doing business online is typically faster and more convenient since you can access the system at any time. Coming soon, you will also be able to submit rent adjustment petitions or mediation requests.
Tenants
Coming soon, creating an account will allow you to submit things like rent adjustment petitions or mediation requests online. Tenants cannot make changes to unit, tenancy, or rent information online.
