640 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

640 Mason Street is a 52-unit, seven-story multi-family residential building constructed in 1932, currently owned by Orbelian Holdings LP. The building has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years, most notably a recurring problem with its elevator system, which has been reported as failing daily since March 2024, particularly affecting senior and disabled tenants. Multiple fire safety concerns have also emerged, with open violations as of December 2024 related to the high-rise sprinkler system, fire safety director compliance, and sleeping area requirements.

The building has a documented pattern of fire safety violations, including problems with alarm systems, extinguishers, and general fire code compliance, with the most recent occurring in late 2024. Recent building improvements include a July 2023 fire alarm system upgrade to comply with fire code requirements, and various unit renovations between 2010-2019 including kitchen remodels, electrical upgrades, and plumbing improvements. The property has faced several compliance challenges, including a 2016 Notice of Violation regarding a gate encroachment that required remediation by 2018, and multiple plumbing and electrical upgrades to various units over the years.

A concerning complaint from 2019 documented a bed bug infestation originating from the building manager's unit, along with window ventilation issues and heating problems in unit 205. More recent complaints from 2024 indicate problems with hot water service, described as being throttled every Monday, and issues with the domestic hot water system. The building has undergone numerous routine health and safety inspections over the years, and while many violations have been abated, the persistent nature of recent fire safety concerns suggests ongoing compliance challenges.