URGENT UPDATE: A San Francisco landlord is facing a lawsuit for allegedly leaving tenants without heat and hot water in a rodent-infested building. City Attorney David Chiu just announced the legal action against Charles C. Kartchner, owner of the problematic property located at 646 Ellis Street.
The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court on October 2, 2024, highlights a disturbing neglect of tenant safety as they endured months without basic necessities. City Attorney Chiu stated, “This property owner took rent from each tenant then turned around and refused to provide the most basic necessities like hot water and heating.”
Why this matters RIGHT NOW: The situation exposes serious health and safety violations affecting vulnerable tenants in a city already grappling with high living costs. The case underscores the urgent need for accountability in rental housing, particularly as many San Francisco renters are struggling to make ends meet.
According to Chiu’s office, Kartchner has owned and managed the ten-unit residential building since March 2024. Inspections by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) in August and September 2024 revealed alarming conditions: a rodent infestation, sewage leaks, water damage, mold, and peeling paint. DBI Director Patrick O’Riordan remarked, “This case really stands out for the sheer number of violations that led to unsafe conditions for the tenants.”
The lawsuit accuses Kartchner of creating a public nuisance and violating California state housing law along with multiple municipal codes. Gloria del Mar Lemus, Program Manager at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, emphasized the burden on renters, stating they are already paying exorbitant prices for housing in San Francisco.
Chiu’s office is seeking penalties, fees, and injunctive relief to compel Kartchner to address the numerous violations at the property. As this legal battle unfolds, affected tenants are left in a precarious situation, highlighting the broader issue of tenant rights in a city where housing conditions are under increasing scrutiny.
Next Steps: Tenants and advocates will be closely monitoring the court proceedings, as the outcome could set a precedent for accountability among landlords in San Francisco.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as city officials work to protect vulnerable tenants and enforce housing regulations.
