19 St Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10026

19 St Nicholas Avenue is a 6-story, 39-unit apartment building in Harlem, constructed in 1915 and currently owned by Scott Castellano. The building has experienced numerous maintenance issues in recent years, with particular concern around heating, plumbing, and pest control. Between April and June 2025, there were multiple complaints regarding heat and hot water issues affecting the entire building, though some were resolved through verification of repairs.

The building has also faced ongoing challenges with rodent activity, as evidenced by multiple 311 complaints and inspections showing rat sightings and the need for bait application from 2024-2025. Significant building violations remain unresolved as of July 2025, including issues with a defective boiler system from 2023-2024, problems with carbon monoxide detectors in multiple apartments (2B and 3D), and various maintenance concerns such as water leaks, pest infestations, and safety system deficiencies. The elevator system has been a recurring concern, with multiple complaints in 2025 about its operation and safety features, and there are several active Environmental Control Board violations related to elevator and boiler systems, including an active penalty balance of $2,530 for unregistered boiler issues from November 2024. The property has a documented history of pest control challenges, with recent 311 complaints and housing maintenance code violations citing unsanitary conditions and pest issues.

The building's maintenance history shows multiple instances of failed inspections or inability to complete necessary inspections, particularly regarding heat and hot water systems, as well as various plumbing issues including problems with sinks, showers, and bathtub fixtures. Recent inspections in 2025 have shown consistent rat activity, prompting ongoing compliance inspections and bait applications. The building's management has also received multiple violations for failure to maintain proper safety systems, including problems with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and building access systems. While the building has achieved some resolution of various maintenance issues through inspections and repairs, many significant violations remain active as of July 2025, including problems with the building's mechanical systems, safety features, and general maintenance standards.