318 West 49th Street, Manhattan, NY 10019

The five-story, 20-unit OLD LAW TENEMENT at 318 West 49th Street in Hell's Kitchen, built in 1920 and currently owned by Matthew Keller, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most pressing as of May 2025, there are open complaints regarding malfunctioning refrigerator and electric/gas range appliances. Recent inspections revealed multiple violations requiring attention, including a mold issue, problematic window frames, and various plumbing concerns. The building has a documented history of water-related problems, with violations showing persistent leaks affecting ceilings and windows, particularly in apartment 4RW.

The property has faced several significant safety and compliance challenges over time. Recent inspections in late 2024 identified multiple violations in apartment 4RE, including issues with lead paint, water leaks, and window guards. There are active ECB violations from 2024 related to an illegally converted basement duplex and boiler room maintenance issues. While there have been multiple complaints regarding illegal hotel conversions, the Department of Buildings consistently found no violations during inspections. Rodent inspections have shown a pattern of failures in 2023-2024, with the most recent inspection in 2024 passing, though previous years have shown areas needing attention.

Notably, the bedbug reporting for the past five years shows no infestations reported in any dwelling unit. The building's maintenance record shows a mix of resolved and ongoing issues, with several violations related to emergency safety equipment, plumbing systems, and general maintenance concerns. While some violations have been successfully addressed and closed, the presence of recent open complaints and active violations suggests ongoing maintenance challenges. The property has experienced periodic issues with water flow, window maintenance, and building systems like heating and hot water, particularly affecting units on the fourth floor. The history of illegal hotel room complaints, while consistently investigated, has not resulted in confirmed violations, though it indicates ongoing concerns about proper occupancy compliance.