Committee backs ordinance to ban shower timers after tenants describe hardship at SROs

The committee advanced an ordinance on Monday that would amend the housing code to ban timers or devices that interrupt water flow in residential units, responding to tenant complaints that the devices create health and habitability issues.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced the measure after constituents reported shower timers in shared facilities at the Balmoral Hotel (1010 Bush Street) that cut off hot water and forced tenants to wait minutes before water would resume. Bill Strachan, legislative and public-affairs manager for the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), told the committee DBI’s commission had unanimously supported removing such restrictions as a public-safety and habitability matter and that DBI had issued enforcement actions related to the Balmoral.

Multiple residents and advocates spoke in support. A Balmoral resident recounted stepping into a shower and having water shut off after seven minutes. Jordan Davis, an SRO advocate, and representatives from Senior and Disability Action said timers disproportionately affect seniors, people with disabilities and residents with long hair or special hygiene needs. Supervisor Peskin offered a small amendment to align the ordinance with existing water-conservation code language and moved the item to the full Board with a recommendation.

The committee’s action does not itself remove existing timers; DBI enforcement and property owners’ compliance will determine removal. The ordinance includes exemptions for fixtures required by chapters 12 and 12A of the housing code so as not to conflict with conservation regulations.