937 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103

937 Howard Street is a three-story multi-family residential building constructed in 1907, currently owned by the Leung Family Trust and consisting of three residential units. The building has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues over the past few decades, with the most serious incident occurring in July 2018 when a structure fire damaged the rear exterior stairs, rendering them unsafe and requiring $12,000 in replacement work. This incident followed a pattern of fire safety concerns, including multiple fire code violations in 2018, blocked exits, and issues with alarm systems and sprinkler systems between 2010 and 2018, all of which were eventually corrected.

The building has a history of water-related problems, with documented roof leaks in 2000 and repeated complaints about window leaks in 2005 affecting multiple units. Other maintenance issues have included heating system failures, as evidenced by complaints in 1998 and 1997, and structural concerns with stairs. Recent history from 2025 shows recurring maintenance issues in the surrounding area, particularly regarding street cleaning and debris.

The property has undergone various permitted improvements and repairs over the years, including reroofing in 2000, interior repairs, and electrical upgrades. It has also faced multiple code compliance challenges, most notably in 2000 when unauthorized construction work was reported, leading to enforcement action. The building's fire safety systems have required regular attention, with multiple inspections and corrections needed for alarms, sprinklers, and general fire code compliance. While the building has experienced persistent maintenance challenges, most recent safety and habitability violations appear to have been addressed, though historical patterns suggest ongoing attention to building systems and infrastructure may be necessary.