San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has announced lawsuits against several landlords across Chinatown after what he said was inaction on their part after many citations from the city and complaints from tenants.
Three property owners and five associated businesses are being sued and the three buildings cited in the complaint, which contain single-room occupancies (SROs), are located at 1449 Powell Street, 790 Vallejo Street and 912 Jackson Street.
The complaint alleges the defendants created a public nuisance, violated housing laws and threatened the health and safety of residents and the community.
Some complaints from tenants that spoke at a press conference Tuesday morning in front of the Powell Street location included dead rodents, week-long power outages, broken windows, unsanitary restrooms and damaged ceilings.
“We are here because for years these property owners have allowed their buildings to fall into serious disrepair,” said Chiu at the press conference Tuesday. “San Franciscans should not have to live under these conditions. It is not humane.”
“San Franciscans should not have to live under these conditions. It is not humane.” City Attorney David Chiu
Chiu said there were currently 22 outstanding notices and violations related to sanitation.
Patrick O’Riordan, the director of the Department of Building Inspection, spoke about the need to hold landlords accountable.
“For years we have tried to bring this apartment into compliance. Our violations were ignored. That changes today,” said O’Riordan. “I want every San Franciscan to know we will stand up for you when your rights are being violated.”
‘It was like a game’
O’Riordan also mentioned that there are around 20,000 SRO units across the city where residents are “most vulnerable.” SROs typically have shared restrooms and kitchens. They also tend to be eight by ten feet in size.
“Landlords are in the business of providing housing. We are in the business of making sure it’s done right,” O’Riordan added.
According to the complaint, the notices of violation date back as far as 2018.
“It was like a game for the owner,” said Yanfen Liu, a tenant. “The problem got worse during the pandemic when the owner didn’t keep the bathrooms clean.”
One property was apparently up for sale, according to a sign near the entrance of the building on Powell street, however Chiu said this would not affect the case and that there was enough liability on everyone listed in the lawsuit to go forward.
The defendants could be liable for penalty fees over $1 million dollars.
“It sends an important message that in every neighborhood of this city, low-income seniors and families are entitled to decent, safe, and sanitary conditions like everyone else,” said Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director of Chinatown Community Development Center in a release from the City Attorney’s Office.