420 West 42nd Street, Manhattan, NY 10036

420 West 42nd Street is a 39-story, 262-unit residential building constructed in 2000 and currently owned by Richard Mason. The building has experienced recurring issues with unsanitary conditions, particularly pest infestations, with the most recent complaint from May 2025 remaining open. A cluster of pest-related complaints occurred in 2024, with multiple inspections revealing violations. The building has also faced maintenance challenges, including several paint and plaster issues that have generated multiple complaints and violations between 2023-2024.

Notably, there was a fire incident in February 2022 that caused damage to the communication room, refuse room, and apartments on the 37th to 39th floors, resulting in several active DOB violations related to structural compliance and repairs. The building's safety systems have been under scrutiny, with violations in 2024 regarding self-closing doors and multiple complaints about fire safety systems, though many of these were subsequently resolved. Recent bedbug reports indicate an ongoing infestation issue, with three units recorded in the most recent 2024 report. While the building has generally passed rodent inspections, the frequency of pest-related complaints suggests persistent maintenance challenges.

The property has accumulated several active DOB violations as of 2024, including unresolved issues related to swarming conditions and failure to file required inspections. Historical complaints include concerns about building systems such as sprinklers and ventilation in early 2023, though these were typically found to warrant no violation upon inspection. The building has also faced regulatory scrutiny regarding unauthorized outdoor advertising displays in 2019, resulting in multiple violations with substantial penalties, though these issues appear to have been resolved. The building's permit history shows regular maintenance and repair work being conducted, with several permits issued between 2018-2020 for ongoing maintenance needs. Recent filings and active complaints suggest that while some issues have been addressed, others, particularly related to pest control and maintenance violations, continue to require attention.