1985 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 24-unit, 6-story building at 1985 Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights, built in 1910 and currently owned by Moshe Samovha, has experienced numerous maintenance issues and service requests over the past three years. Most concerning are recent complaints about heat and hot water issues in February 2025, though HPD was unable to access apartments for inspection. There are multiple unresolved issues from October 2024, including problems with doors/windows, mold, pests, and intercom systems, with HPD similarly unable to complete inspections.

A significant inspection on October 18, 2024, revealed several violations in Apartment 23, including problems with roach and mice infestations, bedbugs, carbon monoxide detectors, and unauthorized alterations creating additional rooms. The building's recent history shows recurring issues with building systems and maintenance. In July 2024, complaints about electrical wiring and boiler problems were investigated, though no violations were found.

Between 2022-2023, there were concerns about illegal conversions and building stability, with access issues preventing complete inspections. Currently, there is an active environmental control board violation from July 2023 regarding the rear fire escape steps, for which a $1,250 penalty has been imposed. While the building has maintained a zero-record of bedbug infestation in recent filings, rodent activity has been a persistent issue, with several inspections since 2019 requiring bait application and showing rat activity signs in 2024-2025. The predictability of these maintenance issues, particularly in terms of access for inspections and resolution of complaints, suggests ongoing challenges with building upkeep and resident communication.