S.F. public housing residents sued their property manager. Now, its leaving.

Tenants at Plaza East in San Francisco are poised for a change as the John Stewart Company, their property manager, prepares to vacate amid a lawsuit filed by 28 tenants. The lawsuit alleges harassment, negligence, and charging rent for uninhabitable living conditions, with residents seeking unlimited damages. Silvio Ocampo, a tenant, suffers health issues due to mold and sewage seepage in his unit and doubts that a new management company will improve their situation. Residents feel like prisoners in their homes, facing violence and neglect in the community. The property has experienced management turnover before, with a similar lawsuit leading to the departure of McCormack Baron Salazar in 2021.

The San Francisco Housing Authority is currently in discussions to hire a new property management firm. Many tenants, including Dennis Williams, remain skeptical about any genuine improvements. The ongoing issues highlight the persistent challenges in managing affordable housing in the area.