Rancid garbage, no hot water, and rats City sues Tenderloin landlord for code violations

The City of San Francisco has initiated legal action against landlord Charles Kartchner for neglecting critical health and safety violations at his Tenderloin building. The civil complaint, filed by City Attorney David Chiu, details how tenants have endured a lack of heat, hot water, and garbage services. Kartchner acquired the 10-unit property on Ellis Street in March 2024 and subsequently received five Notices of Violation, which he failed to address or attend hearings for. The lawsuit aims to declare the building a public nuisance, seeking at least $224,000 in fines and necessary repairs. Resident Victor Ly voiced frustration over the prolonged neglect and welcomed the lawsuit as a step toward accountability.

The Department of Building Inspection noted that Kartchner’s case is particularly egregious among hundreds of similar complaints they receive annually. Gloria del Mar Lemus of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic emphasized the need for strict enforcement of tenant rights to ensure quality living conditions. This case underscores ongoing challenges in managing landlord compliance with housing codes in San Francisco.