115 Vermilyea Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10034

The five-story, 31-unit tenement building at 115 Vermilyea Avenue in Inwood, owned by Boysie Siew and constructed in 1916, has experienced several notable issues in recent years. Most significantly, there has been an ongoing pattern of smoking violations in 2025, with multiple complaints about smoking in designated non-smoking areas, including a recent complaint from June 2025 that remains under investigation by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The building has also faced substantial maintenance challenges, including multiple plumbing issues (affecting sinks and bathtubs), door problems, and reports of mold as recently as January 2025, though some of these complaints were closed due to inspectors' inability to complete their evaluations.

The property has a history of various building code violations, particularly concerning safety and egress issues. In late 2024, violations were recorded for blocked fire escapes, non-self-closing doors, and unauthorized alterations in apartments 2B and 3B involving suspended ceilings. In October 2024, an emergency violation was issued for missing carbon monoxide detectors in apartment 5F.

The building's exterior condition has also raised concerns, with the Department of Buildings recording a violation in 2020 regarding deteriorated facade conditions including step cracks and bulging walls, though this was ultimately resolved with a $1,250 penalty. While recent rodent inspections in 2025 have shown "passed" results, there were reports of rat activity in 2023, indicating some ongoing pest management challenges. On a positive note, the building has maintained a consistent record of zero reported bedbug infestations over several years, as evidenced by the mandatory annual bedbug reports.