167-173 Fair Oaks St, San Francisco, CA 94110

The 12-unit, two-story multi-family residential building at 167-173 Fair Oaks St in Noe Valley, owned by John E Wai 1981 Lvg Trust and constructed in 1900, has undergone significant renovations and improvements in recent years. Most notably, in 2024, the building received major safety upgrades including a comprehensive foundation strengthening project costing $100,000 and a complete fire alarm system replacement to meet current code requirements ($26,000). Multiple units are currently undergoing renovations, with active permits for kitchen and bathroom remodels in Units 2 and 5 as of May 2024.

The building has faced several maintenance challenges over its history, most concerning being a 2015 complaint about mold and water damage that allegedly affected residents' health. A series of window replacement issues emerged between 2015-2023, with unauthorized work being reported and subsequent enforcement actions taken, including a 2018 complaint about failure to comply with soft story retrofit requirements. The building's systems have required ongoing attention, with multiple heating system repairs and upgrades documented between 2010-2019, including a notable heating failure incident in December 2018 that affected multiple units. Recent 311 calls have primarily concerned exterior issues such as garbage removal, with the most recent activity in early 2025.

The property has a history of various building code violations, primarily from 2001, which were eventually abated by October 2002, including issues with interior surfaces, fire escape maintenance, lead paint hazards, and security features. More recent fire safety concerns were addressed between 2017 and 2024, with the most recent fire alarm system maintenance complaint appearing in January 2025. The building's management has generally demonstrated a pattern of addressing required improvements over time, though often in response to violations or complaints rather than proactive measures. Recent major investments in both structural and safety systems suggest a commitment to maintaining the building's fundamental systems, while ongoing unit renovations indicate continued investment in improving living conditions for residents.