560 West 160th Street, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 5-story tenement building at 560 West 160th Street in Washington Heights, managed by owner Jose Espinal, has a significant history of heating system issues over the past two years. Between December 2024 and April 2025, there were multiple complaints and violations related to heat and hot water failures affecting the entire building, with at least eight distinct incidents reported through 311 and Housing Maintenance Code complaints. In December 2024, the building experienced several heat-related violations, including inadequate heat supply problems in apartments 44 and 54, along with a locked boiler room access issue.

Additional maintenance concerns from late 2024 included reports of mold problems and insect infestations, particularly in apartment 44, which had violations for both mice and roach infestations. The building has also been subject to various Department of Buildings (DOB) complaints and violations, with notable issues including a gas piping complaint in 2022, several boiler-related complaints in 2019 (with multiple Oath Violations served), and concerns about building stability. Active ECB violations from 2019-2021 remain, including issues with improperly installed HVAC units and crumbling exterior walls.

While recent rodent inspections in 2023 and 2024 passed without issues, earlier inspections in 2022 and 2019 had documented rat activity. The building appears to be in a state of ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly regarding its heating system, though some recent violations have been promptly addressed. The most recent bedbug reports from early 2024 indicate no active infestations during the previous reporting period.