1240 14th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

The 24-unit apartment building at 1240 14th Avenue in San Francisco's Inner Sunset neighborhood, owned by Essex Portfolio Lp, has undergone significant renovations and faced multiple safety and maintenance challenges since its construction in 1959. Recent improvements include comprehensive unit upgrades in 2023 (D302), 2021 (D301), and ongoing fire safety system enhancements with the installation of wireless notification devices and intelligent control systems in 2021. However, the building has experienced persistent issues with its fire safety systems, as evidenced by violations and complaints in 2023 regarding alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers, with the most recent sleeping area requirement violation issued in November 2023.

There are also concerns about building maintenance, particularly regarding waste management as noted in 2022 complaints about garbage area conditions and receptacle adequacy. The property has a history of responding to unit modernization needs, with multiple apartments receiving kitchen, bathroom, and washer/dryer installations between 2018 and 2023. Of particular concern is the September 2023 complaint regarding unsafe construction practices in common areas, where unstable wood planks and blocked entrances were reported.

The building has maintained its essential systems, as shown by the replacement of gas furnaces in units D207 and D306 in 2018, though there were historical issues with water damage and mold reported in 2004-2005. Additional recent fire safety violations in 2023 regarding sprinklers, alarm systems, and extinguishers indicate ongoing challenges with maintaining compliance with safety requirements. The building's management has generally addressed violation notices, with many being marked as abated, but there are recurring themes of maintenance and safety compliance that merit attention.