163 East 104th Street, Manhattan, NY 10029

The 8-unit, 4-story Old Law Tenement at 163 East 104th Street in East Harlem, owned by Walter Roberts, has experienced significant building maintenance issues in recent years, particularly regarding heating and hot water systems. Between June and November 2024, there were multiple emergency complaints and violations related to inadequate heat and hot water throughout the building, with violations issued in multiple apartments including 1W and 2E.

The building also had critical safety violations identified in November 2024, including defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in apartment 1W, along with access issues to the boiler room that was noted as locked during inspections. Most recently, in April 2025, there was a complaint regarding sewage odor affecting indoor air quality, which was addressed through an advisory to the property management.

The building has also faced ongoing rodent issues, with the most recent inspection in July 2025 showing rat activity, while prior inspections in 2024 and 2023 also consistently indicated rat presence, though some inspections indicated passed compliance. Bedbug reports dating from 2021 through early 2025 indicate no infestations or re-infestations during these periods, suggesting effective pest management in this regard. The building's heating system and rodent control remain the primary areas of concern, with multiple violations and service requests indicating ongoing maintenance challenges.