Landlord in San Francisco assertedly allows exclusively potential renters who back MAGA ideology and support Israel during open house events

San Francisco is currently grappling with a significant housing crisis, with one-bedroom rent prices up 13.3% and two-bedrooms surging 16.3%, according to the Zumper National Rent Report. This ongoing crisis can be attributed to the ongoing AI boom in the city, which has increased demand for housing.

Recently, a two-bedroom apartment in Sunnyside was listed on Zillow with a controversial condition: only "MAGA voters" and Israel supporters were invited to the open house. The listed apartment owner, Alexander Baran, allegedly became aggressive when approached by the San Francisco Standard about the listing.

This concern raised by the San Francisco Standard is not an isolated incident. Landlords currently hold a lot of power in the San Francisco housing market, and there are growing concerns that some landlords may be rejecting people who need housing based on their political views.

Joseph Tobener, a tenant rights lawyer with 30 years of experience in San Francisco, suggests that political affiliations should be added to the Fair Employment and Housing Act as a protected category to prevent such practices. However, a landlord has the right to make such decisions, as political orientation is not a protected class under California or federal law.

Activists and legislators advocating for broader anti-discrimination protections have encouraged the initiative to include political belief as a protected category under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act. However, changing the law to make political affiliation a protected class would likely be challenged and end up in the Supreme Court.

In an effort to address the housing crisis, San Francisco is considering a ban on homeless people living in RVs. This move has sparked debates about the city's approach to homelessness and housing solutions.

Rachel del Guidice, a reporter for our website Digital, reached out to Alexander Baran for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

As the housing crisis continues, it is crucial to ensure that everyone has equal access to housing, regardless of their political views. The city and its residents are actively seeking solutions to address this pressing issue.