159 West 143rd Street, Manhattan, NY 10030

The 15-unit, 5-story tenement building at 159 West 143rd Street in Harlem, owned by Karim Hutson, has experienced persistent maintenance issues over the past year and a half, with particular concerns regarding heating and water systems. Between December 2024 and June 2025, there were multiple reports of heat and hot water problems, including eight separate complaints that required HPD intervention.

The building has also faced challenges with structural maintenance, including ceiling paint and plaster issues, as evidenced by complaints in April 2025. Most concerning is an open plumbing water supply complaint from June 2025 that is classified as an emergency situation.

The Department of Buildings records show some regulatory activity, including an active complaint regarding Local Law 188/17 compliance inspections as of January 2025, and a 2022 incident involving defective boiler equipment that resulted in a violation. While some complaints have been resolved, there is a pattern of access issues during inspections, particularly for heat and hot water problems, which were documented when inspectors were unable to gain entry to affected apartments. The building was constructed in 1920 and falls under the New Law Tenement classification, indicating it has specific regulatory requirements for maintenance and tenant services.