500-516 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The 38-unit, 5-story apartment building at 500-516 Ellis Street in the Tenderloin, owned by 516 Ellis 17 LP and built in 1910, is currently experiencing significant maintenance and safety issues, with multiple active complaints and violations. Recent months have revealed concerning problems with the elevator, heating system, and water leakage, with multiple tenants reporting malfunctioning elevator buttons and erratic behavior, radiator issues, and water seeping from walls. Between 2024 and 2025, there have been consistent complaints about disabled access issues, including a non-functional elevator that persisted through early 2024, though some of these issues were temporarily addressed in spring 2024.

Building systems have seen some updates, including a 2019 fire alarm system upgrade to comply with fire safety codes (though a 2024 violation indicates ongoing maintenance issues), and facade repairs initiated in late 2024. The building has undergone multiple unit renovations over the past decade, including kitchen and bathroom remodels in various apartments between 2013 and 2021, and accessibility improvements in 2022. The property has a history of pest control issues, particularly in 2005-2006, though these violations were abated.

Recent months have seen recurring concerns about heating (with temperatures reported between 155 - 78 degrees in early 2024) and water-related problems, with multiple tenants reporting leaks and water damage. Building management has faced criticism for responsiveness to maintenance requests, as evidenced by complaints about heating system repairs and other maintenance issues. While some recent permits indicate ongoing maintenance and improvement work, including facade repairs and accessibility upgrades, the persistence of various building system issues suggests ongoing challenges with building infrastructure and maintenance response.