437 West 36th Street, Manhattan, NY 10018

The five-story, 16-unit building at 437 West 36th Street in Hell's Kitchen, currently owned by Joseph Giaimo, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, in 2025, there were multiple complaints about heating and hot water problems affecting the entire building in March, followed by rodent-related issues in April and June, including a documented rat sighting in June 2025. Earlier complaints from 2024-2025 indicate persistent structural concerns, with repeated reports of building shaking/vibrating (though inspections found no violations), and issues with a sidewalk shed that had lighting problems, though these were closed without penalties.

The building has undergone various inspections and received multiple violations, particularly between 2023-2024, including problems with fire safety materials in hallways, including defective fire retardant materials that required improper repairs. The building has also faced challenges with garbage and recycling storage, as evidenced by multiple housing maintenance code complaints in 2025. While inspections for bedbugs have consistently shown no infestation, rodent inspections have revealed mixed results, with recent inspections in 2024-2025 showing rat activity and failed inspections for other reasons.

The property has active Environmental Control Board violations as of 2024-2025, including issues with the sidewalk shed's lighting and staircase conditions. Building maintenance records show a pattern of violations related to heat/hot water, unsanitary conditions, and structural concerns, though many earlier violations from 2023-2024 have been closed. The building's facade has been subject to inspections noting cracks and other exterior maintenance issues, and there are ongoing concerns about the condition of the building's staircases and interior public spaces.