521 West 150th Street, Manhattan, NY 10031

The 11-unit, 3-story building at 521 West 150th Street in Hamilton Heights, owned by Rubakha Realty Inc., has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues since 2020, with particular concerns around heat, water, and pest control. Most recently, in early 2025, there were multiple complaints about lack of heat/hot water, though HPD inspections were unable to gain access to apartments to verify conditions. The building has consistently faced heating issues, with several emergency complaints about heat/hot water problems between 2024-2025, including an issued violation for inadequate heat in November 2024.

Other recurring issues include appliance problems (specifically electric/gas ranges), door and window maintenance concerns, and flooring issues, though many of these complaints resulted in no violations being issued after inspection. Significant violations and complaints in 2024-2025 include multiple illegal conversion complaints, with Oath Violations served in February and July 2024, and several ECB violations regarding failure to file necessary certificates of correction and improper partition installations. The building has also faced multiple violations regarding boiler maintenance, with complaints noted in 2020 and 2021, though inspections were unable to gain access.

There are ongoing concerns about building safety equipment, with open violations as of 2024 regarding smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The property has experienced issues with pests, particularly mice, as evidenced by a November 2024 violation for infestation in the basement apartment. While rodent inspections from 2023-2025 have passed, previous inspections in 2022 showed rat activity, and multiple bait applications were required. The building's management has multiple active violations for failing to file various inspection reports, particularly regarding the external low-pressure system, with penalties totaling over $33,000 currently due.