421 East 73rd Street, Manhattan, NY 10021

This five-story, 18-unit Old Law Tenement building at 421 East 73rd Street, constructed in 1910 and currently owned by Frances Motta, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues, particularly regarding heat and hot water systems. Most recently, in January 2025, there were multiple complaints about building-wide heat and hot water problems. This followed a pattern of heat-related emergencies throughout 2023-2024, including both building-wide and apartment-specific incidents. The building has also faced animal-related issues, with multiple ongoing complaints in 2024 regarding an unpermitted animal facility, though specific details about the nature of these complaints aren't provided in the records.

The property has experienced various maintenance challenges, including moisture issues (a damp spot was reported in 2024), pest infestations (notably including cockroach problems in apartment 2A in 2024), and problems with self-closing doors in the public areas. Building inspections in 2024 revealed several violations related to public hall maintenance, including requirements for proper fire-retardant material and light-colored paint application. The building's environmental records show some concerns about rodent activity, with inspections in 2025 indicating rat activity, though previous inspections had passed. The property has a history of "Illegal Commercial/Manufacturing Use in Residential Zone" complaints between 2021-2023, though in most cases, inspectors were unable to gain access to verify these claims.

Notably, a boiler-related violation was issued in April 2023, with a $500 penalty for failure to maintain the heating system and post required access information, though this was later resolved. Recent bedbug reporting indicates a single affected unit in 2022-2023, with successful eradication. The building's permit history shows maintenance activity in late 2018, including plumbing and electrical work. Multiple housing maintenance code violations have been documented and generally resolved, though some issues have shown persistence over time, particularly regarding heating systems and pest control.