202 Hester Street, Manhattan, NY 10013

The five-story Old Law Tenement building at 202 Hester Street in Little Italy has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years, most notably in 2024. Seven Housing Maintenance Code violations were identified in July 2024 inspection, including issues with fire safety materials, carbon monoxide detector requirements, and a reported mouse infestation in Apartment 4. The building has also faced recurring problems with heat and hot water systems, as evidenced by complaints in January and April 2024 where HPD was unable to gain access for inspection.

Additionally, multiple unsanitary conditions were reported in July 2024, including mold and pest issues (with one pest complaint resulting in violations), as well as a slow water leak requiring investigation. The property has a history of regulatory compliance challenges, including several Environment Control Board violations in 2023 related to unauthorized occupancy and use of the ground floor as a physical treatment establishment, with associated fines. There are two active DOB violations from 2021 concerning unpermitted gas valve installations behind stoves in all apartments.

Despite these issues, the building has consistently passed rodent inspections, most recently in June 2025, indicating at least some successful maintenance of basic sanitary conditions. The property was reportedly built in 1910 and contains 8 units, currently owned by May Mui. The building's maintenance history shows a pattern of unresolved issues, particularly regarding water systems and building code compliance, though some recent violations related to safety signage and maintenance requirements were issued in July 2024.