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860 Fell St

Alamo Square, SF 94117 0822017 4 units · 3 fl · 1900

A handful of records on file over the last seven years, and our model sees a moderate chance of more in the next 12 months. A few records worth reading before you sign. Check whether they were closed out, and ask what was actually fixed.

NOVs (7y) vs. neighborhood
Records already on file, against a typical building in Alamo Square — not a forecast
At or below average
avg 2.3
0
FewerMore

This building has 0 novs (7y), at or below the Alamo Square average of 2.3.

The bar and the rating point different ways because they measure different things: the bar counts DBI violations already on file, the rating forecasts the next 12 months.

Rent & eviction protection

Is 860 Fell 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 1900
2 or more units
4 units
Property type
Multi-Family Residential
Zoning
RM1
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 1900
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
Units4
Floors3
Year built1900
Total area4,400 sq ft
Property typeMulti-Family Residential
Tax statusNone
Blocklot0822017
Ownership

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

Owner name
Mailing address
Bauman Keith & Rozlynn S Tr 860 Fell St San Francisco CA 94117
Last sale
March 18, 2021

Landlord portfolio

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

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Augrented Insights
Initial analysis

860 Fell Street is a three-story, multi-family residential building constructed in 1900, currently containing four units and owned by the Bauman Living Trust. The building has undergone several significant renovation projects over the past two decades, with the most substantial work occurring in 2015-2017, including comprehensive kitchen and bathroom remodels in multiple units, electrical upgrades, and exterior siding repairs totaling approximately $73,000. A notable pattern of regulatory concerns emerged between 2016-2021, when multiple complaints were filed regarding possible illegal group housing operations under the name "Chateau Ubuntu," with allegations of excessive occupancy (suggesting 20-40 residents), short-term rentals, and unauthorized events with amplified sound and alcohol. These concerns resulted in enforcement actions in 2020 and 2021, though records indicate these matters were eventually closed. Additional building maintenance and improvement work included window replacements in 2005, electrical system upgrades, and general repairs, with the most recent building permit from 2017 showing kitchen modifications in response to an enforcement case.

The property has experienced recurring complaints about noise and unauthorized activities between 2016-2021, particularly during 2020 when multiple noise complaints were filed and there were reports of unauthorized group activities. While most recent permits and complaints have been resolved or closed, the building's history suggests periods of significant modification and use-related issues that appeared to attract regulatory attention. The structure's documented improvements have primarily focused on upgrading residential amenities and infrastructure, including multiple bathroom additions and comprehensive electrical system modernization. Recent activity regarding the building suggests reduced complaints about illegal use, though historical patterns of building modifications and use-related issues indicate the property has undergone substantial changes since its original construction.

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

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Risk rating

How 860 Fell 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
22ndpercentile

Out of 305 buildings in this neighborhood, 238 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
44%
No DBI
violation
56%
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.

DBI tenant complaints (past 7 years)

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

Number of units

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

Permit rate, owner's portfolio

Per-building permit rate across the owner's portfolio.

12-Month risk forecast
Moderate failure risk 56%
Estimated probability of receiving a DBI Notice of Violation in the next 12 months. Model: full_hgb_balanced.
Apartment reviews

860 Fell St apartment reviews

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On the map

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The story over time

860 Fell St event timeline

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

2026
Plumbing Permit Apr 13
Work category: 1p; sewer lateral and house trap replacement.
Complete

See all 5 events

Full history back to 2020 — violations, complaints, permits, buyouts, and fire incidents.

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Every record we have

Full data for 860 Fell St apartments

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

Side by side

How 860 Fell 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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