215 Mulberry Street, Manhattan, NY 10012

The 5-story, 8-unit tenement building at 215 Mulberry Street, owned by Paul Yee, has experienced significant heating and maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, in April 2024, there were multiple complaints regarding heat and hot water problems throughout the building, with at least seven related complaints and emergency responses from HPD. These incidents included both building-wide and apartment-specific issues, as well as concerns about steam pipes and radiators.

The building also faced some access-related challenges, as inspectors were unable to gain entry during several attempts to verify these conditions. More recent inspections in May 2024 revealed various technical concerns, including radiator problems, electrical outlet/switch issues, and general ventilation system concerns. The building has accumulated several housing maintenance code violations and complaints over the years, with the most recent significant violation issued in 2024 relating to a defective fire door at the west yard on the first story.

Past violations include multiple instances requiring repairs to self-closing doors and various maintenance issues in Apartment 7, including problems with plastered surfaces and water leaks. The Department of Buildings has recorded multiple complaints regarding unauthorized work and permit issues, including a potentially problematic metal structure in the backyard for which no permit was found, resulting in a $1,250 penalty. While the building has generally maintained compliance with rodent inspections in recent years, there were some concerning results in 2020, including a failed inspection for rat activity. On a positive note, the building has shown consistent bedbug-free reports since 2019, with zero infested units reported in the past six filing periods.