238 East 51st Street, Manhattan, NY 10022

238 East 51st Street is a 13-story, Class B residential building constructed in 1931 and currently owned by David Bernstein, PANTA REALTY INC. The building has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, there was a recent inadequate heat complaint in late 2024/early 2025 that required Department of Health and Mental Hygiene intervention. The property has a documented history of pest control challenges, including a notable bedbug infestation in the 2022-2023 reporting period affecting 10 units, though subsequent reports (2023-2024) show no infestations.

The building's facade maintenance has also been problematic, with a 2021 violation related to the unauthorized removal of public protection from an unsafe facade that incurred a $1,280 penalty, which has since been resolved. The building's maintenance record shows mixed results in various inspections. While rodent inspections generally show compliance with health regulations (most recently passing in February 2025), there was one failed inspection in August 2022. The property has maintained regular bedbug reporting compliance, with the most recent filing in June 2025 showing no current infestations. Several violations have been recorded with the Department of Buildings, including the failure to display required energy efficiency information in 2021 (though this was ultimately dismissed in 2023).

The building has also demonstrated responsiveness to maintenance requirements, as evidenced by multiple permit issuances in 2020 for exterior work. The building's recent history suggests improvement in pest control measures, with the most recent bedbug report showing zero infestations, though this follows a significant outbreak in 2022-2023. The heat complaint in 2024/2025 represents the most recent maintenance issue, though the resolution process appears to have been initiated through official channels. While there have been various violations and compliance issues over the years, most have been addressed through proper channels, with some being dismissed due to subsequent corrections or lack of evidence. The building's owners have maintained regular permit filings for exterior work, indicating ongoing maintenance efforts.