209 West 147th Street, Manhattan, NY 10039

The five-story, 11-unit New Law Tenement building at 209 West 147th Street in Harlem, owned by Malcolm Punter, has experienced recurring maintenance issues over the past several years. Most notably, there have been two recent heat and hot water complaints (December 2024 and October 2021) affecting the entire building, with the most recent complaint being closed due to lack of access for inspection. The building has also dealt with persistent pest issues, particularly during 2022-2023, with multiple complaints about pests (including cockroaches) leading to violations, especially affecting Apartment 2D.

Other significant maintenance concerns include sanitation issues with garbage/recycling storage (February 2023), various Housing Maintenance Code violations related to building systems and safety features, and two active violations for failure to file external low-pressure inspections from 2023 and 2024. Inspection records indicate a mixed picture of building conditions. While recent rodent inspections from 2025 and July 2024 passed, there were periods of rat activity noted in early 2024.

The building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with all annual reports between 2018-2024 showing zero affected units. Recent housing maintenance code violations from 2024 require attention to fire retardant materials and painting at the bulkhead, while past violations (now closed) included issues with a loose kitchen countertop/sink and self-closing doors. While many historical compliance issues have been addressed, the recurring nature of heat and pest-related complaints suggests ongoing maintenance challenges. The building's age (built in 1920) and classification as a New Law Tenement are consistent with its location in Harlem, a neighborhood known for its rich history and diverse architecture.