520 West 218th Street, Manhattan, NY 10034

The 6-story, 60-unit New Law Tenement building at 520 West 218th Street, owned by Helen Lebowitz, has experienced recurring issues with heating systems and maintenance problems over the past few years. Most notably, there have been multiple heat and hot water complaints in both 2024 and 2025, with several emergency complaints filed and inspectors often unable to gain access for proper evaluation. The building underwent significant rodent activity in 2022, though recent rodent inspections from 2023 through 2025 have passed. Apartment 4G has reported several pest issues, including multiple violations for roaches and mice in late 2023 and early 2024, along with various maintenance concerns including inadequate hot water supply, light fixture problems, and an issue with a fire escape window lock.

The building's historical records show some concerning patterns, particularly regarding heating system reliability, with multiple complaints throughout 2023-2025. There are two active DOB violations as of 2024 related to failure to display energy efficiency information and to file a required technical report. Past issues included problems with building egress, electrical wiring, and elevator service, though inspectors did not find violations in these cases. The property has maintained an active record of compliance with bedbug reporting requirements, showing no infestations between 2019-2025.

Environmental Control Board records from 2019 and 2020 indicate violations related to construction safety and boiler maintenance that were subsequently resolved. The building has regularly passed rodent inspections in recent years, with bait applications noted in 2022 during periods of activity. Recent maintenance history suggests ongoing challenges with building systems, particularly heating, though some improvements are indicated by recent passed inspections. The property has consistently shown compliance with bedbug reporting requirements, maintaining a record of zero infestations in recent years, and recent rodent inspections have shown improved conditions compared to earlier periods of significant activity. However, the pattern of heating-related complaints, with multiple instances of inspectors being unable to access units for evaluation, suggests persistent challenges with building systems and maintenance response protocols.