UPDATE: A San Francisco landlord has been hit with a lawsuit for allegedly neglecting tenants in a rodent-infested building, leaving them without heat for months. City Attorney David Chiu announced the legal action against Charles C. Kartchner, the owner of the two-story residential building at 646 Ellis Street, on October 30, 2024.
The lawsuit outlines serious violations, including a lack of hot water, inadequate garbage service, and malfunctioning locks, contributing to unsafe living conditions for tenants. “This property owner took rent from each tenant then turned around and refused to provide the most basic necessities,” stated Chiu. He emphasized the urgency of holding landlords accountable for such health and safety violations.
The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) conducted inspections in August and September 2024, which revealed a disturbing array of issues: a significant rodent infestation, sewage leaks, extensive water damage, mold, and peeling paint. DBI Director Patrick O’Riordan highlighted that this case stands out due to the “sheer number of violations” that pose serious risks to tenant safety.
In a city where renters already face soaring housing costs, community advocates are rallying for justice. Gloria del Mar Lemus, Program Manager at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, pointed out that San Francisco renters are paying a high price for unsafe living conditions. The lawsuit accuses Kartchner of creating a public nuisance and profiting from tenants living in substandard conditions.
The case, officially titled City and County of San Francisco and the People of the State of California v. Charles C. Kartchner, was filed in San Francisco Superior Court on Monday. Chiu is seeking penalties, fees, and injunctive relief to mandate improvements at the property.
As this story develops, it sheds light on the critical need for accountability in the landlord-tenant relationship in San Francisco. The city is determined to protect its residents and ensure that basic living conditions are met. Watch for updates on this urgent legal battle as it unfolds.