525 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The 26-unit, 6-story multi-family residential building at 525 Ofarrell Street, built in 1911, has experienced significant maintenance and safety challenges in recent years, particularly regarding its elevator system and basic utilities. Between 2024 and early 2025, multiple complaints about the non-functioning elevator were filed, with residents reporting inability to access medical appointments and essential services, particularly affecting disabled and elderly tenants. Recent complaints from late 2024 indicate ongoing issues with heat and plumbing systems, including reports of water leaks and lack of heat.

The building's maintenance history shows attempts at infrastructure improvements, such as a steam boiler replacement permitted for December 2024, though this remains to be completed based on the latest available permit status. The building's historical records reveal periodic maintenance and safety violations, including a notable series of fire safety-related infractions recorded in 2008 that were subsequently abated. These included issues with fire escapes, electrical systems, and various fire safety equipment.

While several building permits were completed successfully, including the installation of a fire alarm system in 1995, recent years have shown more pressing concerns with basic systems like heat, plumbing, and elevator functionality. The property was designated as unreinforced masonry in 2013, and various permits have been issued over the years for street space and sidewalk maintenance. Emergency response records indicate multiple service calls to the building, primarily related to false alarms and non-injurious incidents, with only one documented cooking fire incident. The combination of recent utility failures, particularly regarding heat and elevator access, suggests ongoing challenges with building maintenance and infrastructure reliability.