403 East 139th Street, Bronx, NY 10454

403 East 139th Street is a 14-unit, 3-story converted Class B building in the Mott Haven neighborhood, constructed in 1892 and currently owned by Steve Kates. The property has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in recent years, with significant recurring problems related to electrical systems, including multiple reports of power outages and lighting issues throughout 2025. Emergency complaints from June 2025 highlight ongoing concerns with cooking gas, water supply, and fire escape safety.

The building has active violations regarding the lack of proper boiler inspection filings, with penalties totaling $3,125 dating back to 2024. Apartment 7 has multiple open violations from December 2024 for pest infestations (mice and roaches), and missing life safety equipment, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The building's maintenance history shows persistent sanitary issues, particularly during 2025, with multiple complaints about garbage storage conditions.

There is documented rodent activity, with inspections showing rat activity through 2025, though a baiting program was initiated in July 2025. Historical records reveal several inspection access issues and recurring violations related to the building's facade condition, including cracks and deterioration noted in multiple inspections from 2021 through 2023. The property has also been subject to various Department of Buildings complaints regarding unauthorized alterations and construction work, though many of these inspections resulted in "no violation warranted" findings due to access issues. While the building has maintained an active bedbug reporting history showing zero infestations or treatments in the past two reporting periods, the persistent electrical, plumbing, and safety issues suggest ongoing maintenance challenges.