1388 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10021

The 4-story, 9-unit building at 1388 Second Avenue in NYC's Upper East Side, owned by Robert Lemle, has experienced a series of maintenance and safety issues since 2022. Most notably, there have been multiple heat and hot water complaints, with three emergency complaints in January 2022 about the entire building's system, though inspections were unable to gain access to verify the conditions. The building underwent several maintenance inspections in 2024, revealing multiple violations including defective self-closing doors, security issues, and a problematic fire escape.

Specifically, violations were noted regarding the missing or defective hinges at the east compactor closet door, the fire door leading to the cellar, and the building entrance door. Additional concerns were raised about a defective balcony metal slat on the fire escape, a broken smoke detector in apartment 2C, and improper smoke and carbon monoxide detector notices. The building has maintained an active record of 311 service requests, particularly in 2023-2024, with complaints regarding windows, toilets, cabinets, and door issues, though most were ultimately closed without violations being issued.

A significant rodent management history is noted from 2018-2020, with various passes and fails in inspections, though the most recent inspections in 2020 showed improvements with passed results. Recent inspections show a clean slate for bedbug infestations, with no reported cases between 2021 and 2024, and no units reported as infested or requiring eradication. While the building has displayed persistent maintenance challenges, particularly regarding doors, heat systems, and safety compliance, recent inspections in 2024 indicate efforts to address these issues, with several violations being certified as corrected by late 2024.