79 West 127th Street, Manhattan, NY 10027

The five-story, 20-unit tenement building at 79 West 127th Street in Harlem, owned by Yoel Berkovits, has experienced numerous maintenance issues over the past two years (2023-2025), with particular concerns around water-related problems. Most recently, in June 2025, there were multiple complaints about water leaks, dampness, and mold, alongside rodent sightings that prompted violations from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The building has a documented history of water issues, including multiple "slow leak" and "heavy flow" complaints between 2023-2025, affecting both residential units and common areas.

Other significant concerns include heat and hot water problems, with several complaints registered about inadequate service, particularly marked as emergencies. The property has shown persistent rodent activity, with multiple inspections by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene revealing either active rat presence or failed compliance tests throughout 2024-2025. While some violations have been resolved, as evidenced by certified notice of violation corrections, the frequency and nature of recent complaints suggest ongoing maintenance challenges.

The building's violation history shows both Class A and Class B violations, including a notable one from December 2023 regarding a water leak from the cellar's west wall, which was later corrected. Previous years' records reveal various safety and maintenance issues, including problems with egress (notably in July 2019), which resulted in enforcement actions requiring improvements to emergency exit systems. The property has consistently maintained an active bedbug prevention program, with no reported infestations in the past five years, and has demonstrated compliance with annual bedbug reporting requirements. While some historical violations regarding building safety features (e.g., fire egress, gas leak procedures) have been addressed, the recent pattern of complaints suggests water-related issues continue to be the most pressing concern within this century-old building.