234 East 52nd Street, Manhattan, NY 10022

This four-story, 28-unit New Law Tenement building located at 234 East 52nd Street in Midtown, currently owned by Isaac Shabban, has experienced numerous maintenance and building code issues, with the most pressing concerns emerging in 2025. As of March 2025, there are multiple open complaints regarding water leaks, paint/plaster issues (both wall and ceiling), and an unsanitary condition involving pests. The building has a concerning history of heat and hot water complaints in early 2025, with several complaints filed between January and February 2025 for both apartment-specific and building-wide issues, though inspections couldn't gain access for verification.

The property has faced significant structural and safety concerns in the past, including C-class violations from October 2024 for defective self-closing doors and B-class violations for mold remediation needed in apartments 1A and 3A, particularly in bathroom ceilings. Historical records show three instances of illegal dwelling unit issues, including a notable cluster of violations in 2019 related to an unauthorized transient use conversion of Apartment C, though these were subsequently resolved. The building has also undergone multiple facade inspections, with recent violations in 2024 noting issues with stucco and other deteriorations at the roof level, resulting in a penalty of $1250. While there have been past reports of bedbug infestations and rodent activity, recent inspections have shown passing results for rodent control, and the most recent bedbug filings (2023-2024) indicate minimal unit infestations with successful eradication in previous cases.

The property had some building stability concerns reported in mid-2023, though inspections resulted in varying outcomes regarding violations. The Department of Buildings and Housing Preservation and Development records indicate ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly regarding access for inspections and timely repairs. Several complaints and violations show a pattern of incomplete inspections due to lack of access in 2025, as well as historical issues with heating systems, water supply, and door hardware compliance. The building's management has generally responded to violations and complaints, as evidenced by the issuance of various permits and resolution of many past penalties, though some current open complaints remain unresolved as of mid-2025.