URGENT UPDATE: A San Francisco landlord is facing a lawsuit for allegedly neglecting tenant safety in a rodent-infested building. City Attorney David Chiu filed the legal action against Charles C. Kartchner, owner of the two-story residential property located at 646 Ellis Street, after tenants endured months without heat and hot water.
The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court on October 23, 2024, accuses Kartchner of failing to provide essential services, including garbage disposal and secure locks on doors. “This property owner took rent from each tenant then turned around and refused to provide the most basic necessities,” Chiu stated.
City officials uncovered alarming living conditions during inspections in August and September 2024, prompting the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) to issue five Notices of Violation. The inspections revealed a severe rodent infestation, sewage leaks, water damage, mold, and peeling paint.
DBI Director Patrick O’Riordan emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Each year, we follow up on hundreds of complaints about substandard living conditions. But this case really stands out due to the sheer number of violations that created unsafe conditions for the tenants.”
Residents at the property are already facing high rent prices, and the lawsuit claims that Kartchner profited while neglecting his responsibilities as a landlord. The legal action seeks penalties, fees, and injunctive relief to address the violations and improve living conditions.
Gloria del Mar Lemus, Program Manager at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, expressed concern for the vulnerable renters who are paying a premium to live in the city. “This lawsuit highlights the urgent need for accountability in housing,” Lemus stated.
As the case develops, authorities are calling for immediate action to protect tenants who have suffered under these dire conditions. Residents living in similar situations are urged to report issues to ensure their safety and well-being.
Stay tuned for updates on this breaking legal battle and its implications for tenant rights in San Francisco.
