515 West 168th Street, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 6-story tenement building at 515 West 168th Street in Washington Heights, constructed in 1929 and containing 84 units, has experienced several concerning maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, there have been recurring heat and hot water outages in early 2025, with three complaints filed between January and February 2025, though inspectors were often unable to gain access for verification. The building has also faced significant challenges with basic amenities, including plumbing issues (detailed complaints about toilets, water supply, and steam pipes), water leaks, mold, and rodent problems throughout 2024-2025.

Two notable violations remain open as of the latest records, concerning fire escape egress obstruction by air conditioning units at the 4th story balcony. The building's recent history includes multiple emergency housing maintenance code complaints, particularly regarding heat/hot water systems and various plumbing issues, with some violations finding their way to the Environmental Control Board for fines. The property has undergone various inspections and maintenance actions, with some improvements noted.

For example, a carbon monoxide detector violation was addressed in 2024, and there have been no bedbug infestations reported since 2024, following several instances between 2018-2023. The building's permit history shows multiple plumbing and electrical work permits were issued between 2018-2019, including significant electrical system upgrades. While some violations have been resolved through proper certification, including repairs to defective doors and bathroom conditions, the persistent nature of heating system failures and water-related issues suggests ongoing infrastructure challenges. Recent rodent activity has been documented through multiple inspections in 2024-2025, indicating continued pest management concerns.