449 West 56th Street, Manhattan, NY 10019

The 32-unit, 4-story Old Law Tenement building at 449 West 56th Street in Hell's Kitchen, owned by Elliott Joseph, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over the past few years, with the most recent problems occurring in 2025. The building has faced recurring rodent-related complaints, with the most recent complaint in April 2025 leading to an inspection that passed, though earlier complaints in 2025 resulted in violations being found. There have been multiple electrical issues documented through 2023-2024, including power outages and electrical wiring problems, with some inspections noting that inspectors were unable to gain access to the property.

More recently, in late 2024, the building was cited for multiple fire safety violations, including missing or defective smoke detectors, missing carbon monoxide detectors, and issues with door self-closing mechanisms, resulting in several open violations that require corrective action. The building has also experienced various utility-related problems, particularly in 2022 when multiple heat and hot water emergency complaints were filed and addressed. Currently, there is an active Environmental Control Board violation regarding boiler access notice posting from 2021, with a penalty of $3,125 still due.

The property has maintained a clean record regarding bedbugs, with all annual filings since 2019 reporting zero infestations. Recent inspections have shown some improvement in rodent control, with initial inspections in 2025 passing, though there have been instances of violations in earlier inspections. The building's inspection history shows regular inspections being conducted, with most complaints ultimately being resolved, though some recent violations relating to building safety and maintenance remain open as of 2025.