281 Edgecombe Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10031

281 Edgecombe Avenue is a 49-unit, 6-story New Law Tenement building constructed in 1909 and currently owned by Howard Alkoff. The building has experienced recurring heat and hot water system issues throughout 2025, with multiple HPD complaints filed in March 2025, some of which were not able to be properly investigated due to access issues. Previous maintenance violations were documented in October 2024 for apartments 5F and 1C, including issues with mold, floor repairs, and various ceiling surface concerns. The building has a history of elevator service problems, with complaints filed in 2019 and 2020 regarding single device operation and no alternate service.

Significant building-wide maintenance concerns were documented between 2018-2020, including exterior facade issues such as spalling masonry and window defects, which resulted in multiple ECB violations totaling approximately $19,785 in penalties. The building's facade maintenance requirements remain active as of February 2024. While there have been several instances of bedbug infestations recorded between 2018-2023, the most recent reports for 2023-2024 show no current infestations. Rodent inspections have consistently passed since 2017, indicating effective pest management.

The building has also faced challenges with compliance documentation, including multiple instances of failed inspections and late submissions for various safety and maintenance certifications between 2018-2024, though most have been resolved or dismissed. The property recently underwent renovations, as evidenced by multiple permit issuances in 2018-2020 for various work types including electrical, plumbing, and alteration work. This work was likely related to addressing some of the documented maintenance issues, though the persistence of heating system problems in 2025 suggests that some infrastructure challenges remain unresolved. The building's maintenance history indicates periodic attention to various systems and components, though the recurring nature of some issues—particularly heat/hot water problems—suggests ongoing challenges with building systems. The property has maintained compliance with rodent control requirements, and recent bedbug reports indicate improved conditions, though the frequency of pest incidents in earlier years may be a concern for prospective tenants.