Mirkarimi Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Code Enforcement Outreach Program

Poor conditions in the city’s rental units prompted the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) to create the Code Enforcement Outreach Program (CEOP), a multi-organizational coalition devoted to making sure property owners keep their tenants' homes safe and habitable. Created in response to San Francisco's ineffectiveness at enforcing housing codes, the program has proven an essential resource for both tenants and landlords alike.

CEOP helps link tenants, housing rights non-profits, and the property-owner's organization the San Francisco Apartment Association. This unlikely alliance works together as follows:

A tenant has a problem in their home, from a leaky faucet to a mice infestation. They call DBI or a non-profit to complain. A housing inspector investigates, and if the residence doesn't meet code, they often contact the Apartment Association. The Association then contacts the tenant's landlord, who usually makes the repairs. However, if they refuse to, the case gets sent back to DBI, which can then impose fines against the landlords and prosecute them for their failure to meet code.

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