Now if he was drunk and hit someone with his car and was convicted that way, might not go in your favor depending on how the judge feels that day.

San Francisco has so many laws favoring tenants there that they make Oakland and Richmond seem like conservative Alabama by comparison.I own rentals in the East Bay and Ohio, and the only way I would want to own a rental in The City is if I had Section 8 tenants in ALL units. 

@Thomas Ackley's answer was perfect, LOL - a lot of these risks can be mitigated by choosing a really good market that has favorable legislation and local economics/resources baked in.  

This is truly a one sided agreement, and not in your favor.

You will 100% want an attorney/leasing broker to review the lease for you before you sign to make the terms as favorable to you as possible.

Our economic diversity, attraction of new residents (Hello, Californians) and favored-status with expanding companies are all contributing to a strong economy and an even stronger housing market.This is no fun for real estate investors trying to uncover bargains, but investors are buying properties here every day to build their buy and hold portfolios. 

Longer leases tend to favor the tenant, while month-to-month gives more control to the landlord. 

Please do yourself a favor and have a very strong reserve fund for that possible event.

That can get you a duplex in some of the following more desirable areas: PB, Bay Park / Bay Ho / Clairemont, Linda Vista, Uni Heights, Normal Heights, North Park, South Park,You have the ability to leverage yourself in a very favorable position w/ low money out of pocket and have a portion of mortgage paid by a tenant(s) while your home continues to appreciate.

They might also not have favorable lease terms.