214 1st Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10009

The six-story, 25-unit tenement at 214 1st Avenue in the East Village, owned by George Lavian, has experienced several notable maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most recently, in late 2023, multiple complaints were filed regarding unsanitary conditions, including mold, appliance problems (specifically with refrigerators), and ceiling paint/plaster issues. These were all investigated by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), but no violations were issued.

A significant rodent control issue has emerged, with multiple inspections between late 2023 and 2025 showing both rat activity and failed inspections, though some recent inspections have shown improvement with passing results and bait application. The building also faced several safety concerns in 2023, including violations related to self-closing doors, construction materials blocking stairways, and a problematic lock at a fire escape window in Apartment 21. An earlier issue from 2022 involved garbage/recycling storage concerns.

The building's maintenance history shows both regular inspections and specific violations that required attention, including a 2023 ECB violation regarding ceiling disrepair in Apartment 12 with cracks, gaps, and peeling paint in the bathroom and bedroom areas. However, the property has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with no reported cases across the annual reporting periods from 2019 to present. The most recent permit activity was recorded in 2019 for plumbing work, which was issued and subsequently completed. While the building has experienced multiple maintenance issues, particularly related to sanitation and safety systems, many have been addressed through inspections and repairs, as evidenced by the closure of numerous violations and complaints following proper certification.