208 East 21st Street, Manhattan, NY 10010

The 27-unit, 6-story tenement building at 208 East 21st Street, owned by Christine Armato and located in Gramercy, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent months, particularly related to heating systems. Between April and June 2025, there were multiple complaints about heat and hot water issues affecting the entire building, with at least ten separate reports filed during April 2025 alone, most of which resulted in failed attempts to gain access for inspection. More recently, in June 2025, there is an open complaint regarding heavy water leakage.

The building has also faced challenges with rodent control, showing evidence of rat activity in March 2023, though subsequent inspections in June 2023 and April 2025 passed. Historical records reveal various maintenance concerns over the past several years, including three separate complaints in 2024 regarding possible illegal hotel rooms, though no violations were confirmed during inspections. Notable violations were recorded in 2024 regarding self-closing doors in public areas needing repair, and there have been past issues with fire escape accessibility.

The building underwent facade repairs between 2018-2019, during which time several violations were noted regarding safety and pedestrian protection. While the building has experienced multiple heating system failures recently, it's worth noting that from 2018 to 2024, there were no reported bedbug infestations, and the property has maintained generally regular rodent inspections with the most recent being compliant. The building's age (built in 1925) and the recent pattern of heating system failures suggest ongoing challenges with maintaining modern comfort standards in an older structure.