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256 Mullen Ave

Bernal Heights, SF 94110 5537025 2 units · 2 fl · 1908

Nothing on record for this building in the last seven years, and our model puts it at a low risk of maintenance problems over the next 12 months. No public enforcement record to go on. Walk the building, ask the current tenants how repairs get handled, and get any promises in writing.

NOVs (7y) vs. neighborhood
Records already on file, against a typical building in Bernal Heights — not a forecast
At or below average
avg 1.2
0
FewerMore

This building has 0 novs (7y), at or below the Bernal Heights average of 1.2.

Rent & eviction protection

Is 256 Mullen Ave rent-controlled?

San Francisco's Rent Ordinance caps rent increases and provides eviction protection for most residential units built before 1979 with 2+ units. Here's how this building scores.

Built before 1979
Built 1908
2 or more units
2 units
Property type
Multi-Family Residential
Zoning
RH1
Likely rent-controlled. Building age and unit count suggest this property falls under San Francisco's Rent Ordinance.

Based on SF Assessor records. Not legal advice — confirm with the SF Rent Board.

Statewide backstop · AB 1482

California Tenant Protection Act of 2019

Even when a building isn't covered by local rent stabilization, the statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) may still apply. It caps annual rent increases and requires the landlord to state a legal reason to end most tenancies.

15+ years since occupancy
Built 1908
Annual rent increase cap
5% + CPI, max 10%
Just-cause eviction
After 12 months
Local rent control likely takes priority. This building appears to fall under the local ordinance above, which is stronger than AB 1482. Where a local just-cause ordinance applies, its rules govern instead of the state cap.

AB 1482 does not apply to single-family homes and condos unless owned by a corporation, REIT, or an LLC with a corporate member; to owner-occupied duplexes; or to deed-restricted affordable housing. The Act is in effect until January 1, 2030. Not legal advice — see the California landlord–tenant guide.

Building characteristics
Units2
Floors2
Year built1908
Total area1,300 sq ft
Property typeMulti-Family Residential
Tax statusHome Owners
Blocklot5537025
Ownership

Registered owner per SF Assessor-Recorder (secured roll).

Mailing address
Didonna Dennis, Ttee 256 Mullen Ave San Francisco CA 94110
Last sale
January 20, 2021

Landlord portfolio

Other SF properties this owner holds, with a risk rating for each.

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Augrented Insights
Initial analysis

The two-unit, two-story multi-family residential building at 256 Mullen Avenue in Bernal Heights, owned by the Dennis A Didonna Revocable Trust, has undergone several significant improvements and maintenance work since its construction in 1908. The property has experienced recurring issues with dry rot, particularly during the 2004-2014 period, requiring multiple repairs including siding replacement, wall repairs, and foundation work. Recent notable improvements include the installation of solar panels in 2013, a new 125-amp electrical service in 2011, and the addition of roof decks in 2021-2023. The roof deck project, initially approved for both units, was revised in May 2023 to remove the deck from the front unit above the garage. Other recent improvements include roof deck lighting installation in 2022 and new roofing drainage systems. The building has maintained safety standards, with only one recorded unintentional building fire that resulted in no civilian injuries.

Recent activities around the property (2024-2025) have primarily involved municipal service calls, including multiple reports of abandoned vehicles and some debris removal issues, though these do not directly impact the building's condition or safety. A sidewalk defect related to tree roots was reported and resolved in late 2024. The property's permitting history shows regular maintenance and upgrading of systems, including electrical, plumbing, and general structural improvements, with most recent permits focusing on exterior enhancements and modernizations. The building's maintenance record demonstrates an ongoing commitment to addressing both routine maintenance and substantial improvements, with particular attention to upgrading outdoor space and sustainability features like solar panels and roof decks.

AI-generated · may contain errors · check the source data tables below

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Risk rating

How 256 Mullen Ave's risk score is calculated

We trained a model on 7 years of SF DBI inspection data — notice of violation filings, complaint history, and owner track records. It estimates the probability that DBI inspectors will issue a Notice of Violation at this address in the next 12 months. Lower % = safer.

What the score means for you

Lower risk — safer than most nearby

DBI rarely finds violations here. Strong maintenance history and a clean complaint record.

Typical — about average for the neighborhood

Some past violations or complaints on record. Worth asking the landlord about any open issues before signing.

Higher risk — riskier than most nearby

Elevated violation and complaint history. DBI has found issues here before and is statistically likely to again.

Neighborhood percentile
85thpercentile

Out of 1276 buildings in this neighborhood, 191 are predicted to be safer. The band is relative to this neighborhood, so a share of every neighborhood falls in each colour.

RiskiestSafest
Predicted 12-month outcome
85%
No DBI
violation
15%
DBI violation
likely
Model explanation

What's driving this score

The three data points that most influenced this building's risk rating — ranked by the weight the model placed on each one.

Neighborhood location

Precise location is a proxy for neighborhood-level risk — some SF blocks have systematically higher DBI activity.

Neighborhood location

Precise location is a proxy for neighborhood-level risk — some SF blocks have systematically higher DBI activity.

Building age

Older buildings tend to have more maintenance challenges; SF's pre-1906 earthquake housing stock carries distinct risk.

12-Month risk forecast
Low failure risk 15%
Estimated probability of receiving a DBI Notice of Violation in the next 12 months. Model: full_hgb_balanced.
Apartment reviews

256 Mullen Ave apartment reviews

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On the map

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The story over time

256 Mullen Ave event timeline

Violations, complaints, fire incidents, permits, and buyouts — most recent records in order.

2024
311 Request Nov 07
Parking on sidewalk
Parking Enforcement

See all 5 events

Full history back to 2021 — violations, complaints, permits, buyouts, and fire incidents.

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Every record we have

Full data for 256 Mullen Ave apartments

13 SF public datasets for this parcel — permits, violations, complaints, fire records, 311 calls, planning records, and buyouts.

Side by side

How 256 Mullen Ave compares to the neighborhood

This building against comparable properties in Bernal Heights. Toggle filters to narrow the peer group.

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Cancel anytime · Data sourced from SF Open Data, DBI, SFFD, SF Rent Board & Planning

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