524 West 159th Street, Manhattan, NY 10032

This 25-unit, five-story New Law tenement built in 1907 has recently experienced several concerning maintenance issues under the ownership of Khalil Sikander. Most notably, there are open violations as of August 2024 regarding missing signage (Class A) and a potentially serious issue (Class C) involving a key-operated lock on the fire escape window in apartment 2B. The building has a documented history of unsanitary conditions related to garbage/recycling storage, with multiple complaints filed throughout 2024, though inspections typically resulted in no violations being issued.

A concerning cluster of health and safety issues was recorded in 2024, particularly in apartment 2B, including evidence of mold (both visible and as of May 2024), pest infestations (both mice and cockroaches), and previous violations related to an incomplete remediation of these conditions. The building's history also reveals significant concerns from 2022, including three active Environmental Control Board violations totaling $37,500 in penalties related to unpermitted construction work in the cellar, where illegal two-bedroom apartments were created. These violations specifically cite unauthorized partitions, plumbing, and electrical work. The property has experienced recurrent rodent issues in 2024, evidenced by multiple bait applications and instances of rat activity, though the most recent inspection in November 2024 passed compliance.

While there have been no bedbug infestations reported since 2021, the building has experienced various maintenance issues requiring HPD intervention between 2023-2024, including problems with heat and hot water, flooring, doors, and electrical systems. The property's inspection history and service requests suggest ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly concerning apartment 2B, which has been the focus of multiple housing maintenance code violations related to health and safety. Recent rodent control efforts and the open violations regarding building signage indicate these issues continue to require attention. The building's age and history of illegal conversions and construction problems from 2022 demonstrate some underlying structural and operational challenges, though many earlier violations from 2023-2024 have been resolved or closed through inspection processes.