City: San Francisco landlord slapped with lawsuit over rodent-infested building

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — City Attorney David Chiu slapped a San Francisco landlord with a lawsuit after tenants were allegedly left without heat for months in a rodent-infested two-story residential building.

The lawsuit was filed against Charles C. Kartchner, who is the owner of 646 Ellis Street. Kartchner also failed to provide his tenants with hot water, garbage service, and functional locks on their doors, Chiu’s office said.
 
“This

property owner took rent from each tenant then turned around and refused to provide the most basic necessities like hot water and heating,” said City Attorney Chiu. “It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their property doesn’t deteriorate. We have no choice but to file this lawsuit to bring accountability, protect the tenants living at the property, and cure the many health and safety violations.”

Kartchner has owned and managed the ten-unit residential building at 646 Ellis Street since March 2024, according to Chiu’s office.

In August and September 2024, the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) issued five Notices of Violation (NOVs) at the property after city inspections revealed a rodent infestation, sewage leak, water damage, mold, and peeling paint.
 
Department of Building Inspection Director Patrick O’Riordan said, “Each year, we follow-up on hundreds of complaints about substandard living conditions in apartments and SROs throughout San Francisco. But this case really stands out for the sheer number of violations that led to unsafe conditions for the tenants.”

Gloria del Mar Lemus, Tenderloin Housing Clinic Program Manager said San Francisco renters are already paying a high price to live in the city.
 
The lawsuit alleges that Kartchner created a public nuisance and profited from collecting rent from tenants who live in substandard and unsafe conditions. Kartchner is accused of violating state housing law and multiple municipal codes.

The case, City and County of San Francisco and the People of the State of California v. Charles C. Kartchner, was filed in San Francisco Superior Court Monday. City Attorney Chiu is seeking penalties, fees, and injunctive relief from the landlord to cure the violations at the property.