81 West 119th Street, Manhattan, NY 10026

The 2-unit, 3-story building at 81 West 119th Street in Harlem, owned by Douglas Sewer and built in 1896, has experienced ongoing maintenance challenges since 2022, particularly regarding water and heat systems. During 2022, multiple emergency complaints were filed related to water leaks, heat/hot water issues, and plumbing problems, with some resulting in violations concerning inadequate hot/cold water supply in Apartment 2 and the community bathroom.

The building also faced rodent infestations, with multiple 311 complaints in 2022-2023 prompting Health Department violations and ongoing rodent control efforts, with the most recent bait applications recorded throughout 2025. Current open Housing Maintenance Code violations from 2022 include requirements to file annual bedbug reports and address various maintenance issues in Apartment 2, such as water supply problems, while recent Dept of Buildings violations from 2023-2024 indicate non-compliance with required external low-pressure inspections and an active penalty related to an unpermitted construction fence.

The building's recent history shows persistent maintenance and compliance issues, though many complaints have been closed through inspections and corrections. As of mid-2025, there is still evidence of rodent activity requiring ongoing bait applications, and several open violations related to bedbug reporting and plumbing systems remain. The property has also generated multiple complaints about vacant/open conditions and drainage issues, though inspections often resulted in "Inspector Unable To Gain Access" findings.