1984

German Landlord Sued by Refugees

Tenderloin Housing Clinic files a class-action suit against Kaussen on behalf of low-income tenants, many of whom are refugees.

1984

German Landlord’s Policies Protested

THC joins tenants, workers, and other local organizations to protest the substandard living and working conditions inside Kaussen’s properties.

1984

Landlord Sued Over Rent Deposits

A tenants’ rights group sues German landlord Guenter Kaussen for allegedly failing to return security deposits to dozens of former tenants of his San Francisco apartment buildings.

1984

German Landlord Sued in S.F.

Tenderloin Housing Clinic filed suit to force landlord Guenter Kaussen to fix a broken elevator that has caused hazard and tragedy at the El Cerrito Apartments.

1985

Tenderloin Properties of Kaussen’s Keep Shrinking

The once vast U.S. holdings of West German real estate tycoon Guenther Kaussen, one of San Francisco’s most complained about landlords, have shrunk significantly because of his precarious position.

1985

Troubled S.F. Landlord Kills Himself in Germany

Accused slumlord Guenter Kaussen committed suicide on April 15, 1995. He left behind millions in debt and lawsuits, many of which were put into limbo after his death.

Trigger Warning: Suicide

1985

Did Kaussen Stash His Cash?

Kaussen’s death sends his estate scrambling to untangle his finances, leaving many in SF and abroad uncertain about the future of his debt and active lawsuits.

Trigger Warning: suicide