u/Starr00born

Need advice from SF tenants who’ve dealt with DBI / Rent Board issues because I honestly feel completely stuck at this point.

Our apartment had serious mold/moisture issues that resulted in a NOV from DBI, but the violations were later cleared while we were not even present in the unit. Since then the apartment still feels constantly humid, belongings keep molding, and we’ve continued having issues with mice.

During Rent Board mediation, our landlord claimed she owes no back rent reduction despite the mold/mice issues. She also submitted photos of my husband inside the apartment that were taken without permission, which felt incredibly invasive and honestly shocked us.

Since mediation we have basically stopped communicating directly with the landlord because the situation feels hostile and exhausting. I’ve emailed both DBI and the Rent Board for follow up clarification and haven’t received responses. We also contacted attorneys, but most just say to “stay in touch” unless things escalate further.

At this point I’m trying to understand:
• Has anyone successfully challenged DBI signoff/clearance?
• Is there any actual recourse when conditions still feel unhealthy after a NOV is cleared?
• Do tenant lawyers in SF usually wait until things become more severe before helping?
• Has anyone dealt with persistent humidity/mold issues that caused health symptoms like hives or constant nasal drip?

I feel like we’re stuck in this weird gray area where agencies say one thing, but the living conditions still feel wrong every day.

Would really appreciate advice from people who’ve navigated SF tenant issues beyond the basic “call DBI” stage.

BritBrit was telling on herself and her methy interest early