SF City Attorney Sues Notorious Tenderloin Landlord Over Rat Infestation, Sewage Leaks, No Hot Water

The San Francisco City Attorney has initiated legal action against landlord Charles C. Kartchner for failing to provide essential services and maintaining unsafe living conditions at a residential building. The lawsuit highlights multiple violations, including the absence of hot water, sewage leaks, and rampant rat infestations, affecting approximately 25 tenants, all Vietnamese immigrants. According to City Attorney David Chiu, Kartchner's disregard for tenant welfare is alarming, as he has not attended any public hearings regarding the violations. Chiu stressed the importance of ensuring that every tenant has a "safe and clean place to live.

" The Tenderloin Housing Clinic previously represented the tenants in a separate lawsuit against Kartchner. The City Attorney's office is seeking fines of $1,000 for each day that violations are allowed to continue, which could accumulate to over $224,000. This situation reflects broader issues of tenant rights and housing quality in San Francisco. Addressing these violations is critical for promoting safe housing in the city.