2117 5th Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10035

The three-story, four-unit building at 2117 5th Avenue in East Harlem, owned by Jessica Howson, has experienced several recurring issues over the past few years, with the most pressing concerns relating to heating and safety systems. Most notably, there have been recent heat and hot water complaints in both early 2022 and early 2025 that required emergency responses from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), though in both cases, the department was either unable to gain access for inspection or found no violations.

The building has also faced multiple issues with garbage and recycling storage between 2024 and 2025, though these non-emergency complaints did not result in violations. Recent inspections from July 2024 identified several open violations requiring attention, including maintenance issues with building entrance and vestibule doors, and safety concerns involving an iron ladder leading to a roof scuttle opening.

Multiple violations regarding boiler inspection requirements are currently listed as active with the Department of Buildings, including a 2024 violation for failing to file required annual boiler inspection reports, with associated penalties. The building's safety and compliance checks have shown some improvements, as evidenced by passing rodent inspections in 2025 and 2024, though there was one failed inspection in March 2025 for unspecified reasons. Historical records indicate a brief period of concern regarding potential illegal hotel rooms in 2022, though this complaint was ultimately unsubstantiated based on department records.