253-263 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The three-story, 6-unit apartment building at 253-263 Laguna Street in Hayes Valley, owned by Laguna Street Investors LLC, has undergone several significant maintenance and safety improvements since its construction in 1908. Most recently, the building received a new roof in May 2024 (cost: $28,500) and is in the process of updating its fire alarm system to comply with 2022 San Francisco Fire Code requirements. The building has a history of addressing infrastructure issues, including kitchen and bathroom remodels in 2014 ($33,000), egress stair improvements in 2014 ($10,000), and various plumbing updates such as sewer trap replacements in 2010 and 2013.

The property has experienced several concerning incidents over its history, particularly in the 1990s when there were multiple tenant complaints about heat and electrical problems, asbestos presence, and other maintenance issues. However, these historical concerns appear to have been addressed by 2000, as evidenced by the resolution of numerous violations. In 2019, the building received multiple fire code violations related to its alarm system and fire extinguisher maintenance, though these were subsequently abated. More recently, there were concerns about the building operating as a short-term rental (STR) property without proper authorization, with investigations from 2021-2022 confirming unauthorized STR activity across multiple units.

The building has maintained its focus on safety through various upgrades, including recent fire system improvements and maintenance work. The property has a history of stairway repairs, addressing both structural issues (e.g., rotted treads and stringers in 2004, dry rot and termite damage in 2000) and compliance with safety requirements. Recent 311 calls primarily relate to exterior maintenance issues such as parking violations, garbage disposal, and city infrastructure matters, rather than building-specific safety or maintenance concerns. The building's most recent activities suggest ongoing attention to basic building maintenance, though the history of unauthorized STR activity raises questions about building use compliance prior to 2022.