496 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10027

The 5-story, 5-unit Old Law Tenement at 496 Manhattan Avenue in Harlem, owned by Hph Chosen, LLC, has experienced a series of concerning maintenance issues over the past few years. Most notably, there have been recurring heat and hot water problems, with emergency complaints documented in both 2023 and 2021, though access for inspection was not granted in the 2023 incident. A recent asbestos complaint in September 2024 resulted in the property management receiving an advisory to address the issue. The building has faced significant challenges with rodent activity, particularly between 2023 and 2024, with multiple inspections showing rat activity, including a December 2023 inspection that noted continued problems.

The property underwent several inspections related to bedbug notifications between 2018 and 2024, though all reports indicated zero infested units. The building's violation history reveals critical safety concerns, especially in 2018 when multiple violations were issued regarding illegal occupancy and inadequate safety systems, including the lack of required sprinklers and fire alarms for transient use. While these violations were ultimately resolved with penalties totaling over $10,000, the building has continued to face recurring maintenance issues, including problems with building egress, window safety, and interior conditions. Recent 2024 inspections have shown improvements in some areas, with the most recent June 2025 rodent inspection passing.

However, the property has a history of delayed compliance, as evidenced by multiple Environmental Control Board violations for failure to certify corrections, though these were dismissed in 2020-2021. The building's maintenance record shows regular bedbug reporting compliance from 2019 through 2024, with no infestations reported. While recent rodent inspections have shown improvement, the property has experienced persistent heating system issues and occasional water supply problems, with multiple emergency complaints lodged through 311 services. The building's age (constructed in 1901) and classification as an Old Law Tenement highlight its historical status, and recent improvements in violation resolution and rodent control suggest ongoing management efforts to address these persistent issues.