DBI turns up heat on scofflaw landlords

From today's Examiner,

The City is cracking down on building owners who ignore building codes, which sometimes results in tenants living in squalid conditions.

In a last-ditch effort to clean up the most outstanding cases, the Department of Building Inspection is hoping to nail building owners on delinquent fines by putting liens on their property.

The most heavily fined landlord, and one of only two repeat offenders on an annual list turned over to the Board of Supervisors, was cited for a series of hazards such as deteriorating wood stairs, damaged ceilings, broken window panes, inoperable water lines to toilets, a lack of hot and cold water, and units with broken heaters, according to department records. The woman, who owns the residential building in the 3600 block of Treat Avenue, was fined more than $3,400. Other violators were cited for violations such as unsanitary living conditions and broken locks.

Last week, 62 cases where building owners have failed to pay fines connected with building code violations were turned over to the Board of Supervisors. Once approved by the board the fines would be added to owners fall tax bill. [more...]

DBI turns up heat on scofflaw landlords [Examiner]
More problems at DBI [SFHomeBlog]
Help Wanted: SF Planning Department and Building Inspections [SFHomeBlog]