1959 Oak St, San Francisco, CA 94117

The 6-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building at 1959 Oak Street in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood, owned by the William Best Survivor's Trust and constructed in 1926, has undergone several significant updates and faced various maintenance challenges over the years. Most notably, the building completed a mandatory upgrade to its fire alarm system in 2024 (cost: $21,858) to comply with current fire code requirements, including the installation of low-frequency sounders in sleeping areas and updating existing devices to be compatible with the new panel.

The building successfully completed a soft-story retrofit in 2016 (cost: $60,000), achieving compliance with San Francisco Building Code Chapter 34B requirements. Other major improvements include the installation of vinyl siding over the back of the building in 2016, conversion from overhead to underground electrical service in 2004, and various structural repairs including sill plate replacement and stair repairs in the late 1990s. The building has experienced several maintenance and habitability issues, particularly during a cluster of complaints in 2001-2002, when issues such as inadequate heat, electrical problems, mold, and unsafe back stairs were documented, though these were subsequently addressed and abated.

More recent tenant complaints have included routine inspections in 2023, and issues with the doorbell system (2015), window leaks (2008), and insulation problems (2008). The building's exterior and surrounding area have been subject to various municipal services calls in 2024, primarily relating to street cleaning and maintenance, including reports of garbage and debris removal, and a currently open issue regarding a damaged tree. The property's fire safety systems were tested in 2024 when an alarm was triggered due to malfunction, though no injuries were reported.