439 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, NY 10019

439 West 53rd Street is a 7-story, 10-unit residential building located in Hell's Kitchen, constructed in 2012 and currently operated by West 53rd Street Hdfc. The building has experienced recurring heating issues, with three heat/hot water complaints reported in 2023-2024, including one currently open complaint from March 2024 that was classified as an emergency. Multiple building-wide heating problems were documented, though some complaints were resolved through HPD inspections. In 2024, several violations were issued related to building safety and maintenance, including open violations for carbon monoxide detector requirements, smoke detector notices, and locked heating system access, along with self-closing door issues affecting both the basement and first-story public areas.

These violations also include failure to file annual bedbug reports and inspection certificates, which appear to be the result of administrative oversights. The building has a history of elevator service issues, particularly in 2018-2019, with multiple complaints documented regarding the single-device elevator and its lack of alternate service. This led to two ECB violations in 2019, each carrying a $1,250 penalty. More recent elevator activity includes open violations from 2023-2024 regarding failure to file external low-pressure inspection documentation.

The building's maintenance record shows generally responsive management, with multiple door/window and plumbing issues being addressed through HPD inspections, though some complaints were closed without access being granted for inspection. While the building has had previous pest issues (notably in late 2021), recent reports from 2024-2025 show zero reported bedbug infestations, and the most recent rodent inspection from October 2024 passed. The property has maintained a record of passing rodent inspections dating back to at least 2016, indicating generally good pest management practices when reported incidents occur. In addition to the above issues, the building's records show various administrative violations that remain open as of 2023-2024, including failures to maintain proper signage, posting requirements, and other documentation obligations under the New York City Housing Maintenance Code. While many historical issues have been resolved, the persistence of open violations and recent heating complaints suggests ongoing maintenance challenges, though the building has demonstrated some capacity to address and resolve individual complaints as they arise.