119 Hester Street, Manhattan, NY 10002

The 25-unit, 6-story tenement building at 119 Hester Street in Chinatown, owned by Andrew Wrublin, has experienced persistent maintenance and safety issues in recent months. As of June 2025, there are multiple open complaints with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), including reports of unsanitary conditions related to pests and a water leak. Between March and May 2025, the building faced recurring water-related problems, including damp spots and leaks, along with issues of mold and ceiling plaster problems, some of which resulted in violations being issued.

The building has documented history of water-related maintenance issues, with several open violations from 2024 in Apartment 21 regarding water leaks, ceiling damage, and door-related problems. The property has undergone various inspections and maintenance attempts, including pest control measures indicating rat activity detection in late 2024 and bait application in 2025. Safety inspections in 2024 revealed problems with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Apartment 21, though these violations were later certified as corrected in December 2024.

While the building has shown some improvements, as evidenced by recent rodent inspections passing in June 2025, there remain significant outstanding complaints and violations that continue to require attention, including newly reported water leaks and pest issues as of June 2025. The building's history shows previous bedbug infestations, though recent reports from 2022-2025 indicate no current infestations, with the last significant outbreak occurring in late 2020. The property's age (constructed in 1910) and current maintenance issues suggest ongoing challenges with infrastructure and building systems, particularly regarding water management and pest control.