596 Courtlandt Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451

The 15-unit, 5-story tenement building at 596 Courtlandt Avenue in Melrose, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced numerous maintenance issues over the past year, particularly in 2025. Most recently, in June 2025, the building faced multiple violations including problems with doors/windows, unsanitary conditions (pests), electrical issues (lighting, outlets), plumbing (toilet), and safety concerns regarding the fire escape. A heavy water leak complaint from May 2025 and an electrical lighting issue from February 2025 were also documented.

The building underwent a significant inspection in December 2024, which revealed several violations in apartment 2B, including problems with plastered surfaces, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, mold, water leaks, and ceiling repairs. Apartments 2A and 2C also have documented issues from previous inspections regarding bathroom repairs. The property has a mixed history regarding pest management, with no reported bedbug infestations in the past seven annual filings (2019-2025), though there were three unsuccessful rodent inspections between 2010 and 2012, followed by a passed inspection in 2021.

Multiple housing maintenance code violations have been documented and closed, showing some responsiveness to repairs and issues. While many recent complaints have resulted in violations being issued and closed promptly, the frequency and variety of maintenance issues in 2025 suggest ongoing challenges with building systems and maintenance. The building's age (constructed in 1920) and recent history of violations, particularly regarding safety systems and basic utilities, indicate areas of concern requiring monitoring and potential follow-up.