520 East 14th Street, Manhattan, NY 10009

520 East 14th Street is a 6-story, 44-unit New Law tenement building constructed in 1900 and currently owned by Howard Jacobson. The building has experienced recurring issues with pests, water leaks, and maintenance problems over the past several years. Most notably, there have been multiple complaints and violations related to unsanitary conditions, including pest infestations (with a significant infestation noted in Apartment 9 in early 2024), as well as mold and water leak issues.

Recent inspections in 2024 revealed several open violations regarding door maintenance, including self-closing door requirements in multiple locations (Apts 7 and 30, plus bulkhead doors), broken window components in Apartment 24, and a defective bathtub in Apartment 9. The building has undergone multiple rodent inspections between 2022 and 2025, with some showing rat activity in 2024, though recent inspections in 2025 have passed. The property has demonstrated some compliance with housing maintenance codes, as seen in the closure of various non-emergency complaints related to electrical systems, flooring, and appliance issues in early 2024.

Bedbug reporting from 2020 to present has consistently shown zero infested units, indicating effective management of this particular pest issue. The building's permit history shows multiple work permits issued between 2018 and 2019 for various repairs, including electrical and plumbing work, though a permit filed in 2019 remains listed as "In Process." The property has also faced scrutiny regarding potential illegal hotel use and occupancy issues in 2018 and 2022, though inspections did not warrant violations. While some improvements have been made, the ongoing maintenance issues and open violations suggest persistent challenges with building upkeep and resident comfort.