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979 Sutter St

Downtown, SF 94109 0300013 24 units · 5 fl · 1913

This building has a substantial enforcement record over the last seven years, and our model predicts continuing maintenance failures over the next 12 months. Read the records below before you sign. Ask which issues were resolved, get repair commitments in writing, and inspect the unit yourself.

NOVs (7y) vs. neighborhood
Records already on file, against a typical building in Downtown — not a forecast
Above average
avg 6.9
29
FewerMore

This building has 29 novs (7y), above the Downtown average of 6.9.

Rent & eviction protection

Is 979 Sutter St rent-controlled?

San Francisco's Rent Ordinance caps rent increases and provides eviction protection for most residential units built before 1979 with 2+ units. Here's how this building scores.

Built before 1979
Built 1913
2 or more units
24 units
Property type
Multi-Family Residential
Zoning
RC4
Likely rent-controlled. Building age and unit count suggest this property falls under San Francisco's Rent Ordinance.

Based on SF Assessor records. Not legal advice — confirm with the SF Rent Board.

Statewide backstop · AB 1482

California Tenant Protection Act of 2019

Even when a building isn't covered by local rent stabilization, the statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may still apply. It caps annual rent increases and requires the landlord to state a legal reason to end most tenancies.

15+ years since occupancy
Built 1913
Annual rent increase cap
5% + CPI, max 10%
Just-cause eviction
After 12 months
Local rent control likely takes priority. This building appears to fall under the local ordinance above, which is stronger than AB 1482. Where a local just-cause ordinance applies, its rules govern instead of the state cap.

AB 1482 does not apply to single-family homes and condos unless owned by a corporation, REIT, or an LLC with a corporate member; to owner-occupied duplexes; or to deed-restricted affordable housing. The Act is in effect until January 1, 2030. Not legal advice — see the California landlord–tenant guide.

Building characteristics
Units24
Floors5
Year built1913
Total area9,855 sq ft
Property typeMulti-Family Residential
Tax statusNone
Blocklot0300013
Ownership

Registered owner per SF Assessor-Recorder (secured roll).

Mailing address
Fredric W Trester 828 Tremaine Ave Los Angeles CA 90005
Last sale

Landlord portfolio

Other SF properties this owner holds, with a risk rating for each.

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Augrented Insights
Initial analysis

The five-story, 24-unit apartment building at 979 Sutter Street, owned by Sutter Street Assocs LLC, was constructed in 1913 and has undergone several significant maintenance and safety upgrades over the years. Most recently, on January 10, 2024, permits were issued for a comprehensive fire alarm system replacement to comply with San Francisco Fire Code requirements, including installation of new control panels, radio systems, sounders, and other safety features, with the work continuing through 2024. The building has experienced recurring fire safety system issues, with multiple violations and complaints related to the alarm system and sprinkler/standpipe systems between 2018 and 2024, though many of these have been marked as "Condition Corrected" or "Abated."

The property has a notable history of maintenance challenges, particularly regarding heating and water systems. Tenant complaints from 2014 and 2016 documented extended periods without heat, and in 2022, there were complaints about water intrusion and sewer issues. A significant notification of violation was issued in 2010 regarding a broken building sewer, which was resolved by November 2010. The building underwent various unit renovations, including work in 2013 and 2010, targeting water damage repair and kitchen updates. Several infrastructure upgrades have been completed over the years, including a reroofing project in 2013 (cost: $16,380) and the installation of a new storage tank and hot water boiler in 2016. Recent complaints from late 2024 have primarily focused on garbage and debris issues outside the building, with multiple reports of abandoned furniture and waste, though these appear to be exterior maintenance matters rather than structural or safety concerns.

AI-generated · may contain errors · check the source data tables below

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Risk rating

How 979 Sutter St's risk score is calculated

We trained a model on 7 years of SF DBI inspection data — notice of violation filings, complaint history, and owner track records. It estimates the probability that DBI inspectors will issue a Notice of Violation at this address in the next 12 months. Lower % = safer.

What the score means for you

Lower risk — safer than most nearby

DBI rarely finds violations here. Strong maintenance history and a clean complaint record.

Typical — about average for the neighborhood

Some past violations or complaints on record. Worth asking the landlord about any open issues before signing.

Higher risk — riskier than most nearby

Elevated violation and complaint history. DBI has found issues here before and is statistically likely to again.

Neighborhood percentile
31stpercentile

Out of 448 buildings in this neighborhood, 309 are predicted to be safer. The band is relative to this neighborhood, so a share of every neighborhood falls in each colour.

RiskiestSafest
Predicted 12-month outcome
10%
No DBI
violation
90%
DBI violation
likely
Model explanation

What's driving this score

The three data points that most influenced this building's risk rating — ranked by the weight the model placed on each one.

Number of units

The number of units affects how the model reads complaint and violation totals — more units means more potential sources.

Building size

Total floor area — a proxy for building scale and the number of systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) that can fail.

DBI tenant complaints (past 7 years)

Formal complaints tenants filed with DBI about this building over 7 years.

12-Month risk forecast
High failure risk 90%
Estimated probability of receiving a DBI Notice of Violation in the next 12 months. Model: full_hgb_balanced.
Apartment reviews

979 Sutter St apartment reviews

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The story over time

979 Sutter St event timeline

Violations, complaints, fire incidents, permits, and buyouts — most recent records in order.

2026
311 Request Aug 04
Garbage and debris
human waste or urine
311 RequestJul 22
Garbage and debris

See all 21 events

Full history back to 2022 — violations, complaints, permits, buyouts, and fire incidents.

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Every record we have

Full data for 979 Sutter St apartments

13 SF public datasets for this parcel — permits, violations, complaints, fire records, 311 calls, planning records, and buyouts.

Side by side

How 979 Sutter St compares to the neighborhood

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Cancel anytime · Data sourced from SF Open Data, DBI, SFFD, SF Rent Board & Planning

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