518 East 5th Street, Manhattan, NY 10009

The five-story, 19-unit tenement building at 518 East 5th Street, owned by Peter Jakobson Jr., has experienced recurring maintenance challenges since at least 2022. Most recently, the property has faced rodent-related issues, with inspections showing rat activity in 2025 (June, January), and violations noted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in June 2024 requiring follow-up inspections. The building's heating and hot water systems presented significant problems in late 2022, with multiple emergency complaints from October through December reporting loss of service to the entire building, though these were eventually resolved.

Previous maintenance violations include issues with self-closing doors and window gates in Apartment B (2023), and hot water supply problems in Apartment 4 (2022). The building has undergone several rodent inspections between 2023-2025, with varying results including repeated findings of rat activity, though some compliance inspections have passed. Historical violations dating back to 2019 involve concerns about air conditioning units obstructing egress and gas supply issues in Apartment 3.

Despite these challenges, the property has maintained consistent bedbug reporting compliance from 2021-2024, with no reported infestations in any dwelling units during this period. The building's owners have also obtained various permits for work in 2020, including two exterior work permits issued in March and June. While many past violations have been addressed and closed, the ongoing rodent issues and recent pest-related complaints suggest persistent maintenance challenges that require ongoing attention.