42 West 72nd Street, Manhattan, NY 10023

Located at 42 West 72nd Street in New York City's Upper West Side, this 13-story, 50-unit residential building constructed in 1915 has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in recent years, particularly related to its elevator system and basic utilities. Most notably, there has been a recurring pattern of complaints about the elevator service, with multiple "No Alternate Service" complaints recorded between 2023-2025, and several violations related to elevator safety components, including inoperable alarm bells and misaligned door issues, resulting in significant penalties. The building has also faced persistent heating and hot water problems, with multiple emergency violations recorded between 2023-2024, particularly affecting entire floors or multiple apartments.

Recent health and safety concerns include multiple Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) violations for smoking in non-smoking areas, with several complaints filed in 2025, and a currently open plumbing issue affecting a sink or basin reported in May 2025. The building has experienced various infrastructure problems, including leaks, sanitation issues, and air quality concerns, with both HPD complaints and Housing Maintenance Code violations. Noteworthy violations include a 2024 inspection revealing inadequate heat supply in apartment 11B and multiple violations regarding self-closing doors in March 2024.

The facility has undergone several rodent inspections, with mixed results, and maintained a consistent record of zero bedbug infestations according to official reporting. While some violations have been resolved, including a 2023 violation for inadequate hot water in apartment 11A, others remain open or were closed without timely access for inspection. The building's management has faced challenges in maintaining consistent service quality, particularly regarding heating, hot water, and elevator functionality, as evidenced by the recurring nature of these complaints.