81 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10003

81 2nd Avenue is a 5-story, 3-unit residential building located in the East Village, dating back to 1845 and currently owned by Ismael Rodriguez. The property has undergone significant scrutiny and regulatory actions, particularly between 2019-2021, regarding illegal conversions and safety code violations. Notable issues from this period include multiple violations related to unauthorized unit conversions, failure to maintain required safety systems (such as fire alarms and sprinklers), and work performed without proper permits.

In 2019, the building was found to have converted and maintained additional dwelling units beyond those legally authorized, creating serious safety concerns related to egress and fire systems. The building also received penalties totaling $8,800 during this period for various violations, including $4,800 for failing to obey a vacate order. More recent history shows improvements in building management and compliance. From 2022 onwards, there have been regular bedbug reports submitted, all indicating zero infested units.

The property has maintained consistent rodent control measures, passing inspections between 2020 and 2025. As of 2024, the building received an A-class Housing Maintenance Code violation for failing to file the annual bedbug report, though this was subsequently closed. The most recent significant incident occurred in 2024 when a food establishment complaint was filed and later closed by the Department of Health. While many historical violations have been dismissed, and recent inspections show passing results, the building's history of unauthorized conversions and safety violations suggests a complex regulatory background that prospective tenants should be aware of.