#23184733

I am submitting this report anonymously to request an inspection of potentially unsafe living conditions at 1233 Benedict Court, San Leandro, CA 94577. My partner and I toured this property on 11/03 while looking for a home. Our primary concern is the downstairs garage and crawlspace, which appear to have been partitioned into three separate rental spaces. The partition walls did not extend to the garage ceiling, and we observed space heaters taped to the walls. These conditions raised serious concerns about fire safety and the safety of anyone living in these spaces. When we asked to view the partitioned areas, the owner instructed us not to open any of the doors and got very paranoid. As a result, we could not inspect the interiors or confirm the conditions within them. Everything looks extremely illegal and very dangerous. The upstairs portion of the property was being used as an Airbnb. The guest allowed us to view that area and reported having no running water, as well as injuries he attributed to conditions in the property. We have not independently verified those statements. We ask Alameda County to investigate whether the downstairs spaces are being used as rental housing and whether the property complies with applicable building, housing, and fire safety requirements. Our concern is the safety and well-being of anyone staying or living there.