1437 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10027

The 13-unit, 5-story Old Law Tenement building at 1437 Amsterdam Avenue in Harlem, owned by John Catalic and constructed in 1920, has experienced significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, in 2025, there have been multiple water-related problems, including both slow and heavy flow leaks, along with various other maintenance concerns such as issues with lighting, fire escape safety, and heating/hot water systems. The building has been under particular pressure between March and April 2025, with multiple complaints receiving violation citations that require the owner to make necessary corrections.

The building's current violations, primarily affecting apartment 8, include rodent infestations (mice and roaches), window issues, and problems with interior surfaces, while apartment 4 has been cited for window damage and apartment 3 has surface painting violations. The property has maintained an active response to various maintenance issues, with multiple 311 service requests and Housing Maintenance Code complaints being processed through 2025, though many of these incidents have resulted in violation citations requiring further action. The building's inspection history shows a pattern of rodent activity, particularly in 2024, with multiple bait applications and compliance inspections noting rat activity, though a March 2025 rodent inspection passed.

Local Law Audits conducted in 2019-2021 recorded no violations, but recent inspections have revealed more serious maintenance challenges. While the building has maintained a bedbug-free status in recent years, having reported zero infestations from 2019 through 2024, the ongoing issues with water leaks, pest infestations, and safety concerns raise significant maintenance and habitability questions. The property has undergone several inspections and received various emergency and immediate emergency classifications for maintenance issues, indicating a building requiring continuous attention to basic systems and safety features.