535 West 144th Street, Manhattan, NY 10031

535 West 144th Street is a 5-story, 5-unit old law tenement building constructed in 1910, currently owned by Donald Notice. The building has experienced recurring heating issues, with two heat/hot water complaints in early 2024 (one closed after reported correction, another with no access for inspection). There have also been significant rodent problems, with multiple complaints and inspections throughout 2023 and 2024 indicating persistent rat activity, though no recent complaints have been filed since 2024.

In May 2025, emergency housing maintenance code complaints were filed regarding multiple safety and sanitary issues, including problems with doors/windows, fire escape safety, carbon monoxide detectors, plumbing systems, and mold presence. The building's first-floor apartment (1A) was particularly affected, with multiple open violations recorded in August 2023 related to mold, pest infestation, and required repairs to walls and ceilings. The property has faced various structural and safety challenges, including active Environmental Control Board violations from 2022 related to sidewalk shed requirements and facade conditions, with penalties totaling $25,000.

There were also serious safety concerns reported in May 2025, including issues with fire escapes, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. Previous building history includes a boiler-related violation in 2020, and while there have been periodic reports of bedbug infestations, none have been confirmed in recent years. The building's management has shown some responsiveness to complaints, as evidenced by various closed cases, but numerous open violations remain, particularly concerning safety systems and pest control.