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City staff say Putnam Street unit hazardous; resident cooperation, cleanup funds needed
Summary
City housing inspectors reported hazardous interior conditions at a Putnam Street unit and said remediation hinges on the resident's cooperation and access to specialized cleanup contractors and limited funding. Rebuilding Together and a certified contractor may assist; staff will pursue interagency funding and legal follow‑up.
Rosemary Boskey, Chief Housing Inspector, told the Abatement Appeals Board that staff revisited Case 6820 (Complaint 3563051196) on Putnam Street and that the unit remains hazardous, likely requiring a certified contractor to remove material and address biohazards before repairs can begin.
"She did indicate that she has a pervasive rat infestation within the unit," Boskey said, describing conversations with the resident identified as Ms. Harris and with representatives from the city attorney's office, the Mayor's Office of Housing, the Department of Aging and Adult Protective Services. Boskey said the Mayor's Office of Housing may offer a loan that "would not have to be paid back until title transfers."
The inspector said Ms. Harris indicated she might contribute about $5,000 toward cleanup and reported an annual income of "a little less than $20,000 a year," which staff said may make her eligible for certain housing loans. But Boskey emphasized that contractors named by local nonprofits require the resident's cooperation and a completed application before interior work can start: "We need her to be involved in this process." Rebuilding Together, which visited the property in 2011 and then could not perform interior work because of hazards, has provided a lead on a third‑party firm called Ideal Restoration that deals with biohazard scenarios.
Staff described outreach to the Mental Health Association of San Francisco, Adult Protective Services and the Department of Aging; none had immediate funding available for deep cleaning. Boskey said she will consult further with the city attorney and seek clarity about whether funding for cleanup should sit in the Department of Public Health or a human services account. A commissioner asked staff to report back on the partners and process so the case can inform broader code enforcement reform efforts.
There was no public comment on the item. The board then moved to adjourn; a commissioner moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded and the board recorded two "Aye" votes before adjourning at 9:20 a.m. The body planned to reconvene as the Building Inspection Commission at about 9:30 a.m.
