2131 Fredrick Douglass Bl, Manhattan, NY 10026

The 12-story, 73-unit building at 2131 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, owned by Michael Vermut and completed in 2010, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over recent years. Most notably, in early 2025, there were complaints about heat and hot water issues affecting the entire building, though inspectors were unable to gain access to verify these conditions.

The building has a concerning history of heat-related problems, with similar complaints recorded in February 2022, and multiple inspections in 2022 revealed various maintenance concerns including plumbing issues, door problems, and unsanitary conditions related to pests and mold, though no violations were ultimately cited. The building's eighth floor (apartment 8G) has had documented violations since 2020, including problems with water leaks, mold, and missing safety devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, though there have been some permit issuances in subsequent years suggesting attempts at remediation. Recent records from 2024-2025 show mixed results regarding building maintenance, with successful pest eradication in late 2024-2025, though there were multiple rodent inspection failures noted.

The Department of Buildings has recorded several "Work Without a Permit" complaints over the past few years, with inspectors frequently unable to gain access during their investigations. While some Building Code violations remain active, including one related to elevator inspection requirements from 2019, a parking structure violation from 2024 was resolved with no penalty. The building's maintenance history shows a pattern of recurring issues, particularly regarding water systems and heat, though recent years have shown some improvements in pest control and maintenance response times.