31 Essex Street, Manhattan, NY 10002

31 Essex Street is a 6-story, 16-unit residential building located in Chinatown, built in 1910 and currently owned by Xiu Shi. The building has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years, particularly in 2024-2025, with multiple documented violations and service requests. Most notably, in May 2025, there were multiple HPD complaints resulting in violations related to electrical systems (outlets and range), unsanitary conditions (pests and mold), flooring issues, water leaks, ceiling problems, intercom system, and general building maintenance.

These violations included both emergency and non-emergency classifications, with HPD inspections confirming the need for corrections. The building has persistent issues in apartment 2, including gas supply problems to the range, defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and hot water supply issues, as documented in open violations from 2024. The building underwent construction work in 2021 that resulted in several Environmental Control Board violations for failure to file required tenant protection plans and properly post construction notices, with penalties totaling $11,875.

Recent inspection records show consistent rodent inspections from 2022 to 2025, with regular pass results, though there were some indications of rat activity in 2022. The property has maintained a current bedbug reporting record showing no infestations in the past three reporting periods. Three open violations from 2024 remain unresolved, including issues with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire door's self-closing mechanism. The building's heating and hot water systems appear to require ongoing attention, with multiple related complaints and violations over the past three years.