Landlord neglected property and profited off of renting units with illegal and unsafe conditions
SAN FRANCISCO (July 15, 2025) — City Attorney David Chiu announced today that he filed a lawsuit against the owner of a two-story residential building in the Tenderloin neighborhood for creating unsafe living conditions and endangering the health and safety of the tenants. The lawsuit was filed against Charles C. Kartchner, whose tenants lived without heat for months.
“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. “Every tenant deserves a safe and clean place to live. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their property doesn’t deteriorate. We gave this owner ample opportunity to address these issues to no avail. 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.”
“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,” said Department of Building Inspection Director Patrick O’Riordan, C.B.O. “The City had to act, and I appreciate City Attorney’s Chiu’s partnership in bringing this lawsuit forward. I want every San Franciscan to know that we will stand up for you when your rights are being trampled. We have your back and are committed to your well-being.”
“It is essential to enforce tenants’ rights to promote a high quality of life for San Franciscan residents,” said Gloria del Mar Lemus, Tenderloin Housing Clinic Program Manager. “Tenants are already paying a high price to live in the city. Landlords cannot continue to violate housing codes by allowing their tenants to live without hot water or in properties with pest infestations or collapsing ceilings. The role of the City Attorney is essential when the violations get out of hand.”
“Finally, after more than a year living in unsanitary and unlivable conditions, the City Attorney got involved to action against a bad landlord that could care less about the tenants,” said Victor Ly, 646 Ellis Street tenant.
Background
Charles C. Kartchner has owned and managed the ten-unit residential building at 646 Ellis Street in the Tenderloin neighborhood since March 2024.
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 mildew, and peeling paint. Tenants had been living without heat, hot water, garbage service, and functional locks on their doors.
The owner failed to attend multiple public hearings regarding the NOVs and all NOVs remain outstanding.
The City’s lawsuit alleges the defendant created a public nuisance and profited from collecting rent from tenants living in substandard and unsafe conditions. Additionally, the City asserts the owner violated state housing law, multiple municipal codes, and California’s Unfair Competition Law. The City is seeking penalties, fees, and injunctive relief to cure the violations at the property.
The case is City and County of San Francisco and the People of the State of California v. Charles C. Kartchner, et al., San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. CGC-25-627241. The complaint can be found here.
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