138 Hillside Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10040

The four-story, eight-unit residential building at 138 Hillside Avenue in Inwood, owned by Jay Gelb, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent months. In February 2025, the building received multiple violations for unsanitary conditions, including mold, and various paint and plaster issues affecting walls and ceilings. Earlier complaints from January 2025 also indicated problems with water leaks (both slow leaks and damp spots), electrical issues with outlets or switches, and flooring concerns, though inspectors were unable to complete their investigations in some cases.

A July 2023 inspection revealed several administrative violations, including inadequate fire safety notices, maintenance requirements for public hall ceilings, and improper posting of building registration information, though these were subsequently certified as corrected. While no bedbug infestations have been reported in the past three years (2021-2024) according to the building's annual reports, there is an outstanding violation from March 2021 regarding an illegal slide bolt at the roof door that remains open. The building, constructed in 1990, currently operates under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy status.

In addition to the aforementioned issues, there have been historical violations related to bedbug reporting requirements, though these appear to have been resolved based on the most recent filing indicating zero affected units. The concentration of recent violations (2025) suggests ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly regarding water-related issues and general building upkeep. The property has demonstrated some responsiveness to violations, as evidenced by multiple cases being certified as corrected, though several recent complaints have resulted in new violations requiring correction within established timelines.