565-575 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The Balilla Apartments, located at 565-575 Geary Street in Downtown, is a 6-story multi-family residential building containing 64 units, constructed in 1922 and currently owned by Balilla Apartments LLC. The property has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years, with the most pressing concerns centering around elevator functionality and fire safety systems. Between late 2023 and early 2025, there have been multiple documented problems with elevator outages, including violations issued in October 2023 and September 2024. The building is currently undergoing a mandatory fire system replacement, with work filed in May 2023 to install new horns to meet SFFC requirements.

Notable safety violations have included issues with sleeping area requirements in late 2023, though most historical violations related to lead paint hazards, fire escape maintenance, and other fire-related concerns from 2007 were abated. Recent complaints filed in 2024 indicate ongoing challenges with building maintenance and resident comfort, including concerns about mold (with documented repairs in Unit 403 as of August 2023), unsanitary common areas, and trash management issues. Multiple tenants have reported problems with the mailboxes on the main floor, citing security concerns due to improper installation. The property has maintained a history of addressing fire safety concerns, as evidenced by the fire violation records showing various issues requiring correction between 2018 and 2023, including alarm system maintenance and sprinkler service requirements.

Recent building permits indicate some ongoing maintenance work, including mold remediation and fire system upgrades, though residents have expressed concerns about the timeliness and effectiveness of these repairs. The building has experienced recurring issues with trash management and common area cleanliness, as evidenced by multiple 311 calls and building complaints regarding garbage and debris. The property has also undergone various infrastructure updates over the years, including a street space permit in 2018 and backflow device replacement for the steam boiler in 2015. While some safety violations have been promptly addressed, the frequency of recent complaints suggests ongoing challenges with building maintenance and resident satisfaction.