666 West 162nd Street, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 6-story, 49-unit residential building at 666 West 162nd Street in Washington Heights, owned by Jacob Landau, has experienced several maintenance issues in recent years, with the most pressing concerns being heat/hot water problems and water-related issues. Most notably, in March 2025, there was a building-wide heat/hot water complaint that the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) could not investigate due to access issues. Throughout 2024, multiple complaints were reported and investigated, including water leaks (both slow leaks and damp spots), mold issues, and various maintenance concerns related to paint/plaster on walls and ceilings. The building has also shown some concerning patterns regarding plumbing and gas safety, with multiple Department of Buildings (DOB) complaints between 2022-2024 suggesting unauthorized plumbing work and gas line installations without proper permits or inspections, though inspections in early 2024 did not result in any violations being recorded.

The property has a complex history of violations and complaints, including several related to building maintenance and safety systems. In 2024, violations were issued for repair and maintenance issues in apartment 4B (including plaster and paint concerns) and 6C (including water leak and ceiling issues). The building's exterior and common areas have faced scrutiny as well, with violations for a defective fire stair door, a barbecue grill in the public hall, and various repair needs in common areas. The building's maintenance history suggests ongoing challenges with water issues, as evidenced by multiple complaints about water leaks and dampness throughout 2024.

While there have been occasional pest issues, including one reported bedbug infestation in the past three years and some rodent activity in 2018-2019, recent inspections from 2021-2025 have consistently passed for rodent inspections. Environmental Control Board violations from 2021-2022 indicate historical concerns about building maintenance, with several violations related to the building's walls and appurtenances, including issues with terra cotta components and window panes. The building has undergone various repair work as evidenced by multiple permit applications and issuances between 2018-2020, though there have been some complaints about work being done without proper permits. Housing Maintenance Code violations from 2024 included issues with wall and ceiling repairs, while recent bedbug reports show one unit affected in 2024, with successful eradication. Rodent inspections since 2019 have generally shown compliance, with the most recent inspection in February 2025 passing successfully.