285 Ft Washington Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 60-unit, 5-story building at 285 Ft Washington Avenue in Washington Heights, owned by Michael Aryeh, has experienced recurring heat and hot water issues throughout 2024 and 2025, with multiple emergency complaints filed by tenants and HPD inspectors repeatedly unable to gain access for verification. Most recently, in April 2025, there was another building-wide heat/hot water complaint that was closed without verification of conditions. The building has also faced significant maintenance challenges, including a pattern of mold and water leak complaints in early 2025 (February), as well as issues with flooring in March 2025, though these complaints were categorized as non-emergency.

A notable cluster of violations was documented in August 2024 for apartment 53, including problems with the floor, faucets, light fixture, doors, and mold condition, along with an encumbrance issue involving a gas stove in the public hall. The building's environmental history shows a previous pest issue, with complaints about unspecified pests in March 2024, though no violations were issued following inspection. Recent rodent control efforts have shown mixed results, with the most recent inspection in June 2025 passing compliance but earlier inspections indicating rat activity.

The property has been consistently maintained with no reported bedbug infestations over the past six years, as evidenced by annual bedbug reports showing zero infested or re-infested units. Additionally, there were two housing maintenance code violations regarding building-wide heat and hot water issues in 2025, classified as emergencies. The building, constructed in 1920, is classified as a New Law Tenement and appears to have undergone standard inspections and received appropriate permits for ongoing maintenance and code compliance.