Press Release: Queer LifeSpace Faces Sudden and Unjust Eviction in Castro Amid Harassment and Illegitimate Demands by Landlord
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Award-winning nonprofit counseling agency Queer LifeSpace (QLS), a well-known community health center, clinical training site, and a cornerstone of mental health support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Castro, is facing an urgent threat of eviction by unscrupulous property owners. Despite having a secure lease until 2027, the nonprofit is being shaken down for dubious fees and penalties supposedly accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The landlord (Regent West Ltd) and the property manager (Renoir Property Management) completely neglected the property for years until suddenly showing up to demand increased rent payments.
As a respected pillar of the LGBTQIA+ community, Queer LifeSpace has provided essential mental health services for the past 13 years, including individual, couples, and group counseling, as well as specialized programs for youth. 52% of the agency’s clients self-identify as non-cisgender, including trans and gender non-conforming clients; and 33% of clients are BIPOC, a rarity in the predominately white Castro District.
Now, this treasured and diverse organization is under siege by property owners intent on squeezing tenants for every dime they have after mismanaging the property for years. These owners are threatening to clear the premises, which Queer LifeSpace recently renovated at great cost, in order to capitalize on potential rent increases. In doing so, the landlord is showing utter disregard for the critical services Queer LifeSpace provides to its vulnerable clientele and is using strong-arm tactics to bully a long-term tenant.
Before news of the eviction, District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí had originally intended to present a “Certificate of Honor” to Queer LifeSpace during a celebratory event at the same time recognizing the organization’s many years of impact on the community, including their internationally recognized clinical training program for queer-affirming therapists. Now that the landlord is attempting to uproot these services through wholly unjustified and illegitimate charges, Supervisor Safai is joining the rally on Saturday.
The Situation:
Unlawful Demands: The property owners are demanding exorbitant sums for dubious fees, which Queer LifeSpace asserts are illegitimate. Some of the so-called "maintenance" costs are claimed to have accumulated during the pandemic, despite the facility being unoccupied with the lights out for nearly two years.
Unjust Eviction: In a highly unethical breach of the active lease agreement, the landlords have begun showing the property to prospective new renters, further disrupting the crucial mental health services being provided on-site. They have already started offering the space to other tenants.
Community Impact: This egregious behavior by the landlords is not only a direct attack on Queer LifeSpace but also on the broader LGBTQIA+ community, which already faces significant challenges in accessing affordable mental health care. The timing of this harassment is particularly alarming, given the current climate of increasing hostility towards LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Queer LifeSpace urgently calls upon local politicians, media, and community advocates to rally at the Market Street entrance of 2275 Market on Saturday, May 18th at 11:00am in support of protecting this vital organization. Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin is slated to make remarks along with District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.
The Clinical Director of Queer LifeSpace, Chris Holleran, issued the following statement:
"We are appalled by the landlords' blatant disregard for our active lease. Our priority is to continue providing life-saving mental health services to our diverse clientele, many of whom are already marginalized and in need of our support. We urge local leaders and the community to stand with us against this unjust eviction and ensure we can continue our critical work.”
"It's just wrong that Queer LifeSpace is facing eviction,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safai. “They offer crucial mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community, and now, when commercial spaces are empty all over town, they're being pushed out. Landlords should be helping businesses stay in San Francisco, not driving them away. We need to step up—this isn't just about one organization; it's about taking a stand against the bigger issues hurting San Francisco right now."
About Queer LifeSpace:
Queer LifeSpace, located at 2275 Market Street, Suite #7, is a nonprofit counseling agency dedicated to providing affordable mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community in San Francisco. With a commitment to inclusivity and support, Queer LifeSpace offers individual, couples, and group counseling, along with several specialized programs for youth.
Download Queer LifeSpace’s media kit here.
About 2275 Market Street:
The building is an atrium-style shopping center on Market Street, with pedestrian entrances on both Market Street and 16th Street. In addition to Queer LifeSpace, which shares an office with SF Therapy Collective, other well-known businesses in the building include Dinosaur Sandwich, Trudy's Tattoo Parlour, and Alex Fitness.
2275 Market Property Manager:
Byron Yee
Renoir Property Management, Inc
650-552-9331
byron@renoirpmi.com
Property Owner:
℅ Angela Yee
Regent West Limited, LP
151 El Camino Real
Suite 319
Millbrae, CA 94030