538 West 148th Street, Manhattan, NY 10031

The 4-unit, 3-story residential building at 538 West 148th Street in Hamilton Heights, owned by Michael Padernacht, has been experiencing ongoing maintenance issues, particularly affecting the third-floor apartment (Apartment 3). As of July 2024, there are multiple open housing maintenance code violations, including roof leaks affecting multiple rooms, defective plastered surfaces and painting issues at ceilings, and a missing carbon monoxide detecting device - all of which remain unresolved despite inspection dates as recent as July 2024.

Prior violations from September 2022 regarding ceiling repairs and plaster work, along with a 2022 violation concerning defective self-closing doors in Apartment 3, also indicate persistent maintenance challenges. While there were some violations recorded in 2021 that were subsequently closed, including issues with fire retardant material and wall painting in the public hallway, these only underscore the building's ongoing maintenance needs.

On a positive note, the building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations across all reporting years from 2019 to 2024, with no reported cases of infestation or re-infestation. Additionally, regular rodent inspections conducted between 2018 and 2025 have consistently resulted in "Passed" outcomes, indicating effective pest control measures in place. Despite these positive aspects, the numerous open violations related to water damage, ceiling conditions, and safety equipment in Apartment 3, particularly as of mid-2024, represent the most significant current concerns regarding tenant safety and comfort in the building.