709 West 176th Street, Manhattan, NY 10033

709 West 176th Street is a 6-story, 49-unit NEW LAW TENEMENT building located in Washington Heights, built in 1924 and currently owned by Mark Scharfman. The property has experienced numerous maintenance and compliance issues in recent years, with the most pressing concerns being an open complaint regarding the building's intercom system as of June 2025, multiple heat and hot water outages (April and May 2025), and significant rodent-related problems, including recent inspections in 2025 showing rat activity. The building has also faced challenges with access for inspection teams, as evidenced by several closed complaints in April 2025 where inspectors could not gain access to units despite multiple notification attempts. The building's recent history shows recurring issues with heating systems, water supply, and pest control, including a documented bedbug infestation affecting 12 units in the most recent reporting period (2023-2024).

Structural and maintenance concerns have been documented, including violations related to self-closing doors, which were noted in apartments 1A, 3B, 4B, and 4J between 2024-2025. The property has a notable history of renovation-related violations from 2018-2019, including multiple citations for improper construction work, work without permits, and failure to maintain proper fire stopping. While many of these older violations were ultimately resolved, they indicate a pattern of compliance challenges that has persisted into more recent years, particularly regarding building systems and pest management. The Department of Buildings records show regular inspections and maintenance attempts, with multiple permits issued between 2018-2019 for various repair and improvement work.

The building's management has conducted regular rodent control measures, with baiting operations documented between 2022-2025, though recent inspections in 2025 have still indicated the presence of rat activity. The property has undergone various inspections and received multiple citations for different maintenance issues, though most have been resolved through proper certification procedures. The overall pattern of complaints and violations suggests ongoing challenges with building systems, pest management, and maintenance access, with recent years showing particular concern around heating systems and rodent control. While historical violations related to renovation work appear to have been addressed, more recent issues indicate continuing maintenance challenges that require regular attention and oversight.