169 9th Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10011

The five-story, eight-unit tenement at 169 9th Avenue in Chelsea, built in 1910 and currently owned by Raul Escarza, has experienced numerous maintenance issues in recent years. Most concerning is the current status of open complaints as of June 2025 regarding unsanitary conditions related to garbage/recycling storage, following a pattern of similar issues in 2024 and 2023. The building has faced recurring heat and hot water problems, with emergency complaints documented in March 2025 and September 2024.

Significant violations remain unresolved as of October 2024, including missing smoke detectors, defective carbon monoxide detectors, and issues with window panes and bathtub conditions in Apartment 5N. The property has also shown ongoing pest management challenges, with multiple inspections indicating rat activity throughout 2024. Historical records reveal serious concerns regarding building safety and compliance, particularly in 2019 when violations were issued for illegal short-term rental activity and inadequate safety systems. These included improper egress means, missing sprinkler systems, and absent fire alarm systems, though many of these violations were subsequently resolved through appropriate corrections.

A notable building stability complaint from 2022 was investigated but found no violations at that time. More recently, the building's façade has come under scrutiny, with an active violation issued in May 2024 regarding its deteriorated condition requiring repairs. Property inspections through 2024-2025 consistently revealed issues requiring attention, particularly regarding emergency systems like smoke detectors and CO monitors, along with various infrastructure needs such as plumbing and window repairs. The building's history shows persistent challenges with maintaining basic services and compliance with housing codes, particularly evident in the recurring nature of heat/hot water issues and garbage storage problems.