Today's Grumble

We rely on carefully drafted forms for all phases of most transactions -- from listing, to offers, counter offers, contract, addenda -- you name it, we have a form. And generally this is a good thing. It keeps us out of trouble and helps us avoid trespassing into lawyer territory.

There are approximately 50 forms specific to San Francisco, and another 200 or so that are used state-wide.

Today I was looking for a form that asks tenants to provide their landlord with a statement if they claim to be a member of a protected class. I've used this form in the past but couldn't remember the correct name. Searching for "tenant" or "protected" turned up nothing (the search function of our on-line forms system only searches the title of the form, not the body).

Turns out it's called "Request for Information under Title 39.1(i)(4)". Come on! About as helpful as e-mails with the subject line "hi!"