698 9th Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10036

The 14-unit, 5-story Old Law Tenement building at 698 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, owned by Sefik Gunes, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most notably, between February and June 2025, there was a significant pattern of heat and hot water complaints, with multiple violations issued by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). The building has also faced persistent rodent issues, with multiple mouse and rat sightings recorded throughout 2025, leading to several bait applications and inspections showing rat activity.

Recent housing maintenance code complaints filed in June 2025 indicate various urgent issues, including plumbing, electrical, door, flooring, and safety concerns, which were all closed between July 5-6, 2025. The property has a history of violations and complaints that raise concerns about basic habitability conditions. The most recent environmental control board violation from September 2024, which remains active, cites issues with clogged roof drains, stairway conditions, and defective ceilings, with an imposed penalty of $625.

Earlier in 2024, multiple violations were documented in apartment 3E, including problems with hot water, electrical outlets, floor conditions, and internal infrastructure. The building's systems have also been under scrutiny, with multiple complaints about heating systems, including a gas hook-up/defective complaint in January 2025 and historical boiler issues that resulted in violations in 2020. While the building has maintained an active bedbug monitoring record showing no infestations since 2019, the persistent nature of the rodent and heating issues, along with recent housing maintenance code complaints, suggests ongoing challenges with building maintenance and habitability standards.