6 East 97th Street, Manhattan, NY 10029

The six-story, 23-unit tenement at 6 East 97th Street in East Harlem, owned by Eliezer Spira, has experienced persistent maintenance issues since 2021. Most recently, in 2024, there were complaints about heat/hot water issues and ceiling paint problems, with violations issued for the latter. The building experienced multiple heat/hot water complaints in January 2022, affecting the entire building. More recent structural concerns include a 2025 Local Law 188 inspection where the inspector was unable to gain access.

Previous inspections revealed several safety issues, including three self-closing door violations in May 2023 across apartments 3B, 5B, and 6A, and an open violation from May 2024 regarding ceiling paint conditions in the 6th-story bulkhead area. The building has faced various infrastructure challenges, including boiler issues in 2021 (with an oath violation served), and multiple water-related complaints, particularly in early 2022 and May 2024. An electrical circuit breaker cover problem was identified in apartment 3A in 2021. While there were reports of unsanitary garbage/recycling storage conditions in 2022 and 2021, inspections generally found no violations. Environmental concerns included a 2018 report of facade disrepair with cracked/chipped bricks, though this violation was resolved.

Notably, the building's bedbug reports from 2021 to 2024 indicate no infestations during the reported periods, and recent rodent inspections in 2025 showed passing results, though there was one instance of rat activity reported in June 2025. The property has maintained compliance with bedbug reporting requirements, consistently showing zero affected units. The building's maintenance history shows a recurring pattern of heating system problems, water issues, and various safety violations, particularly regarding doors and building maintenance. While some violations have been promptly addressed, others remain open or have required multiple complaints to achieve resolution. Recent inspections and reports indicate improved rodent control and a lack of bedbug infestations, though the building continues to face challenges with heat/hot water systems and general maintenance compliance.