520 East 142nd Street, Bronx, NY 10454

The five-story, nine-unit tenement at 520 East 142nd Street in Mott Haven, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced recurring heat and hot water issues over the past years, with multiple emergency complaints in 2023 and 2024 indicating inadequate heating and hot water systems affecting both entire building and individual apartments. Most notably, between July 2023 and October 2023, there were multiple complaints about heat and hot water problems, with violations issued during some inspections. The building has also faced several other maintenance challenges, including mold issues (September 2024), door problems (October 2024), and a water leak (2022).

Recent inspections in December 2024 revealed safety concerns in apartment 5A, including defective carbon monoxide detectors and missing window guards, which were subsequently certified as corrected. The property has maintained regular pest control protocols, with bedbug inspections showing no infestations from 2019 through 2024, though there was a noted infestation in two units in 2019. Rodent inspections have varied between passing and failing results, with the most recent successful inspection occurring in May 2023.

Recent compliance inspections under Local Law 188/17 have encountered access issues, though previous inspections were completed with no violations noted. The building's fire escape system and heating system access have required attention, with violations noted in late 2023 regarding a defective fire escape ladder and locked boiler room access. While the building has faced various maintenance challenges, it appears that most violations are being addressed upon inspection, as indicated by the "Closed" status on many violations, though some recurring issues suggest ongoing maintenance concerns.