159 Prince Street, Manhattan, NY 10012

The 5-story, 16-unit old-law tenement building at 159 Prince Street in SoHo, owned by Stephen Elbaz, has demonstrated a mixed maintenance record since 2019. Most recently, in May 2024, multiple violations emerged related to pest infestations, including bedbugs in common areas and specifically in 5th story apartment 15, as well as violations involving paint and fire retardant materials in the public hall.

The building has experienced recurring pest issues, with three service requests for unsanitary conditions due to pests filed between 2021 and 2024, including one emergency request in 2024 that resulted in violations. Other significant maintenance issues have included a February 2023 heat/hot water emergency complaint (for which inspectors could not gain access), a power outage that received no violations, window frame complaints, and a radiator issue in 2021. The building has undergone regular rodent inspections, passing consistently from 2018 through 2025, though there was one recorded instance of rat activity in July 2021.

Bedbug reports from 2019-2024 show no documented infestations or eradications, suggesting either effective management or reporting discrepancies. Several open violations from 2019 remain unresolved, including issues with apartment 8's windows, plaster surfaces, and kitchen ceiling paint. Inspection records indicate periodic maintenance attention, with the most recent rodent inspection in January 2025 resulting in a pass, while the building's history shows some areas of concern primarily related to pest management and building system maintenance.