544 West 162nd Street, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 7-unit, 3-story building at 544 West 162nd Street in Washington Heights, owned by Abuelgasim Ahmed, has experienced significant maintenance issues in early 2025. As of July 2025, there are multiple open complaints filed in February 2025 with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) regarding unsanitary conditions (pests), window frame issues, and electrical problems with outlets/switches. The building has documented recurring problems with heat and hot water, including two emergency complaints in January 2025, one of which resulted in violations.

In July 2024, a comprehensive inspection of apartment 5 revealed multiple violations including pest infestations (mice and roaches), defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, gas supply issues, and problems with plastered surfaces and paint. The building's recent history shows alternating patterns of rodent activity, with inspections in October 2024 passing, while inspections in September 2023 and October 2023 noted rat activity. The property has undergone periodic inspections with varying results.

Records show successful "Passed" inspections for rodent activity in 2019-2022 and some violations regarding maintenance issues. The HPD records indicate multiple instances where inspectors were unable to gain access for inspections, particularly in January 2025, when complaints about heat/hot water, door/window issues, and electrical problems could not be assessed due to access issues. The building's maintenance history suggests ongoing challenges with basic services and infrastructure systems, with numerous open complaints and violations requiring attention as of July 2025.