44 Canal Street, Manhattan, NY 10002

The 5-story, 6-unit tenement building at 44 Canal Street in Chinatown, owned by Charl Tang, has experienced persistent maintenance and safety issues over the past two years. Most notably, there are multiple unresolved violations related to the building's fire escape system, with two open violations from 2024 concerning defective metal treads on the fourth-story fire escape, and a 2023 violation regarding an obstructed egress from the fifth-story balcony.

The building has also faced significant interior maintenance challenges, particularly in apartment 5, with open violations from 2023-2024 documenting issues with ceiling leaks, plaster surfaces, and door functionality. Recent complaints from late 2024 through mid-2025 include problems with the building's intercom system and water leaks, though HPD inspectors were unable to gain access to investigate these complaints. The property has a documented history of sanitation issues, including multiple complaints about mold, pests, and unsanitary conditions.

Notably, there was a rat sighting complaint in October 2024, though subsequent inspections indicated no significant rodent activity. The building's infrastructure has raised concerns, with violations recorded for improper ventilation/exhaust systems and unauthorized modifications, including partition walls and plumbing work, particularly related to an apparent illegal massage parlor operation on the second floor. While the building has passed regular rodent inspections from 2020 through 2025, previous inspections in 2021 and 2022 showed rat activity, indicating ongoing pest control challenges.