242 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10027

The 4-story, 6-unit building at 242 Lenox Avenue in Harlem, owned by Mbaye Samba, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues since 2020. Most recently, in March 2025, there are open complaints regarding the building's intercom system, while earlier complaints from the same month involved mold, an electric/gas range issue, and cabinet problems, all of which HPD was unable to inspect fully. The building has a troubling history of heating and hot water issues, with multiple complaints about building-wide outages in 2024 and apartment-specific problems in 2024-2025.

Several units have outstanding safety violations, particularly apartment 9, which has open violations as of late 2024 regarding smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements. The property has experienced persistent electrical infrastructure problems, evidenced by multiple electrical-related complaints and violations between 2021 and 2024, including issues with wiring, lighting, and power outages. Building systems maintenance appears to be a recurring challenge, with violations regarding the boiler system in late 2024 and a pattern of emergency heating system failures.

Compliance concerns are notable, with multiple active DOB violations related to various safety requirements as of 2025, including failed low-pressure external inspections from 2018 to 2023. While the building has passed recent rodent inspections, there have been documented "rat activity" findings in late 2024. The property has maintained a bedbug-free status over the past two reporting periods, with no infested or re-infested units reported. Overall, the building's maintenance record suggests ongoing challenges with basic services and safety compliance, particularly relating to heating systems and emergency repairs.