544 West 49th Street, Manhattan, NY 10019

The 5-story, 20-unit old law tenement building at 544 West 49th Street, owned by Daniel Lebensohn and built in 1909, has experienced ongoing maintenance and safety issues, particularly in recent years. Most notably, in May 2025, there were multiple complaints regarding unsanitary conditions and pest infestations, along with safety concerns about smoke detectors, though HPD inspectors were unable to gain access to investigate these complaints. The building has faced recurring pest problems, as evidenced by various complaints in 2024 and 2025, including documented infestations of mice and roaches in apartment 12.

Water-related issues have also been a concern, with violations for leaks and mold in multiple apartments, particularly in 2024 where apartments 10 and 13 were cited for various maintenance code violations including plumbing issues, mold, and water damage. The property has a documented history of rodent control challenges, with inspections showing alternating periods of rat activity and compliance between 2016 and 2024. Bedbug reports indicate intermittent infestations between 2019 and 2024, though the most recent reports from 2024 show no current infestations.

Recent communications from HPD inspectors regarding safety concerns, including smoke detector issues, remain unresolved due to access issues. Other building concerns have included violations for broken plaster, peeling paint, and various unsanitary conditions, all of which were eventually closed, typically after repairs were made or conditions were addressed. The building's most recent rodent inspection in October 2024 passed, though an earlier inspection in January 2024 showed rat activity. While many older violations have been resolved, the ongoing pattern of pest-related complaints and recent safety inspection access issues suggest persistent maintenance challenges within the building.