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Building and Landlord Data Analysis Report

538 West 159th Street, Manhattan, NY 10032

15
DOB Complaints
202
311 Housing Calls
428
Housing Violations
0
Permits

Risk Assessment

29
High Risk

This building is in the riskiest 10% of buildings in NYC with significant maintenance issues.

Our AI predicts there is a 29% chance of no major maintenance issues.
Augrented Insights Report for 538 West 159th Street

The 5-story, 10-unit building at 538 West 159th Street in Washington Heights, owned by Edith Cardona, has experienced numerous maintenance and compliance issues over recent years, particularly between 2024 and 2025. Most notably, there were multiple plumbing violations documented in late 2024, including problems with basins/sinks, bathtubs/showers, and various other amenities. Two sanitary condition complaints regarding pests were filed in early 2025, though the inspection in January 2025 could not be completed due to access issues.

The building has a history of rodent activity, with recent inspections in late 2024 showing rat activity and previous inspections in 2022 and 2018 indicating similar problems. The property has faced several significant compliance challenges, including environmental control board violations related to occupancy issues, with an active violation from April 2024 ($6,250 penalty) regarding occupancy contrary to that allowed by certificate of occupancy records. There have been multiple inspections and violation reports concerning maintenance matters, with apartments 8 and 9 receiving citations in 2024 for ceiling and lighting issues, and various emergency violations related to plumbing, electrical systems, and door/window conditions.

The building's history of illegal conversion and work without permits came to light in 2024, with corresponding Oath violations served. Infrastructure and safety concerns have also been documented, including a complaint about building shaking/vibrating in early 2024 and various maintenance issues such as a leaking boiler (2021 violation) and repairs needed for plastered surfaces and paint throughout the building. While the building has submitted bedbug reports for multiple years, all records indicate zero infestation cases. The property was constructed in 1913 and has been subject to ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly regarding basic systems like plumbing, electrical, and pest control, with recent violations showing a pattern of unresolved maintenance issues requiring inspection and correction.

Last updated: July 27, 2025
This report is created with AI and based on the most recent 10 data items in each category. Full reports with 50+ data points are available to subscribers.

538 West 159th Street Report Contents

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538 West 159th Street Building Overview

Renter Risk Rating

This building is in the riskiest 10% of buildings in Washington Heights.

Building Characteristics

Total units 10
Year built 1913
Total area 9685 sq ft
Floors 5
Tax Abatements None
Building Class NEW LAW TENEMENT
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Key Building Statistics

15
DOB Complaints
Complaints filed with the Department of Buildings in the last 7 years.
428
Housing Violations
Class B & C housing maintenance code violations.
202
311 Housing Calls
Housing-related 311 service requests in the last 7 years.
21
Work Orders
Repair orders issued by city agencies.
26
ECB Violations
Environmental Control Board violations on record.
0
Evictions
Evictions executed by city marshalls.
22
Rodent Inspections
Rodent inspections conducted by DOHMH.
0
Building Permits
Permits issued by DOB in the last 7 years.

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538 West 159th Street Landlord Information

HPD Registration Contacts

Contact data is from NYC HPD building registration.

RoleNameAddress

Landlord Portfolio

Other NYC buildings registered to this landlord.

AddressUnitsCode ViolationsRisk Rating

Landlord Court Records

NYC housing court and civil court records. Name matching only; verify parties are actually the owners by reviewing the case files!

Date FiledCase TitleCourtLink
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538 West 159th Street Rent Control Status

Year Built
Built before 1974
Units
More than 6 units
RGB Registration
Registered
Tax Abatement
None found
Year BuiltUnitsRGB RegistrationTax Abatement
Before 1974 >6 units Registered None

Full Building Data for 538 West 159th Street

Housing Maintenance Code Complaints

This table shows complaints to 311 related to potential NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) for 538 West 159th Street. These complaints are related to conditions such as lack of heat, hot water, mold, pests, and other habitability issues. Class B and C violations are the most serious and may indicate significant problems with building maintenance or safety.

Date ReceivedSttatus DateCategoryTypeStatus
2025-01-162025-02-15Unsanitary Condition-PestsNon EmergencyCLOSE
2024-12-282025-01-04Electric-LightingNon EmergencyCLOSE
2024-12-282025-01-04Plumbing-Basin/sinkEmergencyCLOSE
2024-12-282025-01-04Electric-Outlet/switchNon EmergencyCLOSE
2024-12-282025-01-04Door/window-DoorEmergencyCLOSE
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Housing Maintenance Code Violations

This table shows violations of the NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) issued by HPD for 538 West 159th Street. These violations are related to conditions such as lack of heat, hot water, mold, pests, and other habitability issues. Class B and C violations are the most serious and may indicate significant problems with building maintenance or safety.

Inspection DateClassStatusStatus DateApartmentNOV DescriptionCertified Date
2024-09-06CCloseNone9§ 27-2005 ADM CODE REPAIR THE ROOF SO THAT IT WILL NOT LEAK OVER CEILING IN THE PRIVATE HALLWAY LOCATED AT APT 9, 5th STORY, 1st APARTMENT FROM NORTH AT EASTNone
2024-09-06BCloseNone9§ 27-2005 ADM CODE REPAIR THE BROKEN OR DEFECTIVE PLASTERED SURFACES AND PAINT IN A UNIFORM COLOR AT CEILING IN THE PRIVATE HALLWAY LOCATED AT APT 9, 5th STORY, 1st APARTMENT FROM NORTH AT EAST2024-10-28T00:00:00.000Z
2024-08-29BCloseNone8§ 27-2005 ADM CODE REPAIR THE BROKEN OR DEFECTIVE PLASTERED SURFACES AND PAINT IN A UNIFORM COLOR AT CEILING IN THE BATHROOM LOCATED AT APT 8, 4th STORY, 1st APARTMENT FROM SOUTH AT WEST2024-10-23T00:00:00.000Z
2024-08-29BCloseNone8§ 27-2005 ADM CODE REPAIR THE BROKEN OR DEFECTIVE PLASTERED SURFACES AND PAINT IN A UNIFORM COLOR CEILING IN THE 1st ROOM FROM NORTH LOCATED AT APT 8, 4th STORY, 1st APARTMENT FROM SOUTH AT WEST2024-10-23T00:00:00.000Z
2024-08-29BCloseNone8§ 27-2005 ADM CODE REPAIR THE BROKEN OR DEFECTIVE PLASTERED SURFACES AND PAINT IN A UNIFORM COLOR AT CEILING IN THE 1st ROOM FROM NORTH LOCATED AT APT 8, 4th STORY, 1st APARTMENT FROM SOUTH AT WEST2024-10-23T00:00:00.000Z
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311 Service Requests

Service requests made to 311 for 538 West 159th Street. Data from NYC 311.

Created DateTypeDescriptionStatusAgencyResolution
2025-01-16 18:29UNSANITARY CONDITIONPESTSClosedHPD
2024-12-28 17:51PLUMBINGBATHTUB/SHOWERClosedHPD
2024-12-28 17:51PLUMBINGBASIN/SINKClosedHPD
2024-12-28 17:51UNSANITARY CONDITIONPESTSClosedHPD
2024-12-28 17:51PLUMBINGBASIN/SINKClosedHPD
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DOB Complaints

Department of Buildings complaints regarding 538 West 159th Street.

Complaint #FiledStatusCategoryInspection DateDisposition
16660582024-04-23CLOSEDBuilding Shaking/Vibrating/Struct Stability Affected2024-04-24No Violation Warranted For Complaint At Time Of Inspection (2024-04-24)
16653672024-04-15CLOSEDWork Without a Permit – Occupied Multiple Dwelling2024-04-15Oath Violation Served (2024-04-15)
16653682024-04-15CLOSEDIllegal Conversion2024-04-26Oath Violation Served (2024-04-26)
16609692024-02-24CLOSEDBuilding Shaking/Vibrating/Struct Stability Affected2024-02-26Oath Violation Served (2024-02-26)
16409532023-06-15CLOSEDIllegal Conversion2023-06-20Oath Violation Served (2023-06-20)
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DOB Violations

Department of Buildings violations regarding 538 West 159th Street.

Date IssuedCategoryDescriptionStatusComments
2021-07-21V*-DOB VIOLATION - DISMISSEDFAILURE TO CERTIFY CORRECTION ON IMMEDIATELY HAZARDOUS (CLASS 1) ECB VIOLATION000810 PAID INVOICE 904940902021-10-21
2020-12-09V*-DOB VIOLATION - DISMISSEDFAILURE TO CERTIFY CORRECTION ON IMMEDIATELY HAZARDOUS (CLASS 1) ECB VIOLATION000810 PAID INVOICE 904940872021-10-21
2019-06-26V*-DOB VIOLATION - DISMISSEDFAILURE TO CERTIFY CORRECTION ON IMMEDIATELY HAZARDOUS (CLASS 1) ECB VIOLATION000810 PAID INVOICE 904940822021-10-21
2019-03-18V-DOB VIOLATION - ACTIVETHE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS INTENDS TO REVOKE ALL PLUMBING WORK UNDER PERMIT# 123235418 DUE TO MASTER PLUMBER LICENSE SUSPENDED LMP# 2084 . STOP ALL PLUMBING WORK UNDER ABOVE MENTIONED PERMIT AND OBTAIN A NEW MASTER PLUMBER TO SUPERSEDE THE PLUMBING PERMIT.
2019-03-06V*-DOB VIOLATION - DISMISSEDFAILURE TO CERTIFY CORRECTION ON IMMEDIATELY HAZARDOUS (CLASS 1) ECB VIOLATION000810 PAID INVOICE 904940792021-10-21
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Indoor Environment Complaints (DOHMH)

The table below shows indoor environment complaints received regarding the conditions at 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the date, type, description, and status of each complaint. The data is sourced from DOHMH/311.

DateTypeDescriptionStatus
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Bedbug Infestations

The table below shows the bedbug reports filed by the landlord for 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the file date, infested units, eradicated units, re-infested units, filing start date, and filing end date. The data is sourced from DOHMH. Landlords are required to file these reports; missing data may indicate non-compliance.

File DateInfested UnitsEradicated UnitsRe-infested UnitsFiling Start DateFiling End Date
2024-12-030002023-11-012024-10-31
2023-12-280002022-11-012023-10-31
2022-12-300002021-11-012022-10-31
2022-02-170002020-11-012021-10-31
2021-02-180002019-11-012020-10-31
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Rodent Inspections

Recent rodent inspection results for 538 West 159th Street. Data from NYC DOHMH.

DateTypeResult
2024-10-03InitialPassed
2024-01-25ComplianceRat Activity
2023-12-27InitialRat Activity
2022-06-28ComplianceRat Activity
2022-06-08InitialRat Activity
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HPD Litigation Explanation

The table below shows the HPD litigation records for 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the open date, case type, status, judgement, penalty and whether harassment was found. The data is sourced from HPD.

Source: HPD
Open DateCase TypeStatusJudgementPenaltyHarassment found
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OATH Cases Explanation

The table below shows the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings cases for 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the date, agency, respondent, charge, result, penalty, and status. The data is sourced from OATH.

Source: Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
DateAgencyRespondentChargeResultPenaltyStatus
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ECB Violations

Environmental Control Board violations for 538 West 159th Street. Data from ECB.

DateNumberRespondentDescriptionStatusPenaltyBalance Due
2024-04-2639112729YRH 536-538 WEST 159 STREEFAILURE TO COMPLY WITH COMMISSIONERS ORDER TO FILE A CERT OF CORRECTION WITH THE DEPT OF BUILDINGS. ECB VIOLATION #39088764M PREVIOUSLY ISSUED 06/20/2023 REGARDING OCCUPANCY CONTRARY WITH NO CERTIFICATE OF CORRACTIVE6250.06250.0
2024-04-1535680751KRH 536-538 WEST 159 STREEWORK WITHOUT PERMIT ATOI OBSERVED 4X4 LUMBER BEAMS INSTALLED ON STAIRCASE LEADING TO BULKED.NO PERMIT ON FILE WITH DOB.REM:OBTAIN PERMIT.ACTIVE250.0250.0
2024-02-2639106842PRH 536-538 WEST 159 STREEAT TIME OF INSPECTION OBSERVED BATHROOM WALL & CEILING INSTATE OF DISREPAIR CONDITION WITH WATER DAMAGED, CRACKS, AND BUBBLES ON CEILING IN APT # 4. ALSO OBSERVED 2-WINDOW A/C UNITS ARE ERECTED ON 4TH & 5TH FLOACTIVE625.0315.0
2023-06-2039088764MRH 536-538 WEST 159 STREEOCCUPANCY CONTRARY TO THAT ALLOWED BY CERT OF OCCUPANCY OR BUILDINGS DEPT RECORDS. BUILDINGS DEPT RECORDS IDENTIFIES (10) DWELLING UNITS AT PROPERTY WITH (2) UNITS PER FLOOR. AT TIME OF INSPECTION OBSERVED A TOACTIVE6250.06250.0
2022-02-0339055504PRH 536-538 WEST 159 STREEBOILER LEAKING UNDERSIDE AT BLOWDOWN CONNECTION TO WELDED FITTING-BAROMETRIC DAMPER DEFECTIVE-DAWG MISSING AT FRONT TUBE DOOR.ACTIVE625.0625.0
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Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) Explanation

The table below shows the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) records for 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the start date, start violations, discharge date, and status. The data is sourced from HPD.

Source: Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
Start DateStart ViolationsDischarge DateStatus
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Vacate Orders Explanation

The table below shows the vacate orders for 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the effective date, rescinded date, reason, type, and units. The data is sourced from DOB.

Source: Department of Buildings (DOB)
Effective DateRescinded DateReasonTypeUnits
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Work Orders Explanation

The table below shows the work orders for 538 West 159th Street. The information includes the date created, type, description, and charge. The data is sourced from HPD.

Source: Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
Date CreatedTypeDescriptionCharge
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Liens Explanation

The table below shows tax and water liens for 538 West 159th Street. Information includes tax class, month, water only flag, amount, and cycle. Data is sourced from NYC Department of Finance.

Source: NYC Department of Finance
Tax ClassMonthWater OnlyAmountCycle
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Case NumberDateTypeStatusDetails

Sales Records

Sales transactions for 538 West 159th Street. Data includes sale date, price, buyer, and seller.

DatePriceBuyerSeller

Asbestos Records

Asbestos abatement filings and records for 538 West 159th Street. Data includes filing date, type, and status.

Start DateEnd DateStatusProcedureFloor

Fire Violations

Violations issued by the Fire Department for this property.

Violation NumberDateDescriptionStatus
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Fire Inspections

Fire Department inspection records for this property.

DateTypeResult
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Fire Certificates

Fire safety certificates for this property.

TypeIssue DateExpiration
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Water Connections

Water connection permits and records for 538 West 159th Street. Data includes connection type, date, and status.

MaterialRecord Type

Elevator Permits

Elevator permit records for 538 West 159th Street. Data includes permit type, issue date, and status.

TypeIssue DateStatus

Landmark Violations

Landmark preservation violations for 538 West 159th Street. Data includes violation date, type, and status.

DateTypeStatus

Planning Projects

City Planning (ZAP) project applications for this building. Data includes project ID, status, borough, and lot/block information.

Project IDStatusBoroughBlockLot
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Building Permits

Department of Buildings issued building permits for this property. This includes permits for construction, alteration, and demolition work. Data includes permit type, job number, status, and issue date.

Permit TypeJob NumberStatusIssue Date

Electrical Permits

Department of Buildings issued electrical permits for this property. This includes permits for electrical work, installations, and modifications. Data includes permit type, job number, status, and issue date.

Permit TypeJob NumberStatusIssue Date

How 538 West 159th Street Compares

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