66 West 138Th Street, Manhattan, NY 10037

The five-story Old Law Tenement building at 66 West 138th Street in Harlem, owned by Yida Stern, has a significant history of maintenance issues and violations over recent years. Most notably, there have been recurring water-related problems, with multiple complaints and violations regarding leaks, damp spots, and mold between 2024 and 2025, particularly affecting apartment 5B. The building has experienced persistent rodent activity, evidenced by multiple rat sightings and inspections showing rat activity between 2023 and 2025, though the most recent inspection in May 2025 passed with minor violations.

Several maintenance issues were documented between 2024 and 2025, including problems with roofing, flooring, and ceiling conditions, with HPD inspections confirming violations that required correction. The building experienced a notable cluster of violations in August 2024, including issues with mold, water leaks, and paint/plaster conditions, though these were ultimately closed after inspections. Historical records show some pattern of construction-related complaints in 2018-2019, including concerns about plumbing work and electrical wiring, though these were mostly resolved and dismissed.

Recent maintenance activity includes multiple permit issuances for various work types between 2018 and 2021, suggesting ongoing building upkeep efforts. The property has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with no reported cases in recent years (2021-2024). While the building has experienced various maintenance challenges, the property owner has generally addressed violations through the required processes, with most recent issues being classified as minor rather than immediately hazardous. The building's age (constructed in 1900) and status as an Old Law Tenement are consistent with the pattern of infrastructure and maintenance issues observed in many similar buildings throughout New York City.