Mission District residents launch rent strike after year-long fire repair disputes

Linda Lewis, 74, sits in front of the 907 Valencia St. apartment building that was damaged by a fire over a year ago. Lewis and other tenants announced they will withhold their rent until damages are fixed on March 2, 2026. (Paula Sibulo / KQED News)

More than a year after a fire damaged a Mission District apartment building in San Francisco, tenants today said they are launching a rent strike because their corporate landlord still hasn't fixed it.

Residents of the Valencia Street building say the fire damage isn't the only thing that needs repair.

They're seeking rent refunds and a written agreement that they will get their homes back after work is completed.

Russell Lewis Jr. and his family have been living in the building for over 45 years. He says ongoing issues like cracked walls and a lack of hot water... have made taking care of his mother difficult.

“The cold weather hurts, so that means we got to get more and more blankets," Lewis said. "That’s costing me money that we shouldn't have to go through just to keep comfortable at home.”

Landlord Mosser Living did not respond to requests for comment.

Listen here on KQED: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://omny.fm/shows/kqed-segmented-audio/kqed-newscast-d2bc0c65-346c-4852-bb24-3c1efde1c6f5&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1772994391772379&usg=AOvVaw22n2o2bJy8Ke7es3SZhXNH