Investigation Reveals Abuses of Affordable Housing Program in San Francisco

An investigative report by KPIX in San Francisco found that residents are abusing the Below Market Rate unit program in San Francisco.

"Below Market Rate units, or BMRs, are supposed to be for low to mid-income individuals, who are first-time homebuyers and work in the city. Even if you become a millionaire, you can still keep your BMR as long as you live in it," according to the article. "But we found dozens of cases of people breaking the rules and renting out the BMR units."

Maria Benjamin, director of Homeownership and Below Market Programs for the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, is cited in the article stating that the city is actively monitoring and prosecuting abuse of BMR units. "The amount of people misusing the system are so small compared to the people using the system for its purpose," adds Benjamin in her own words. Benjamin's office reports that it is investigating approximately 40 cases of BMR abuse.