572 East 138th Street, Bronx, NY 10454

The 12-unit, 5-story Old Law Tenement at 572 East 138th Street, owned by Joseph Zitolo, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over the past few years, with the most pressing being a recent heat and hot water complaint in February 2025 that HPD was unable to investigate due to access issues. The building has a pattern of plumbing-related problems, particularly with radiators, with multiple complaints recorded in 2024, including emergency calls.

In late 2023 and throughout 2024, there were various maintenance issues in Apartment 3A, including problems with the bathroom fixtures, kitchen gas supply, and multiple structural concerns that resulted in Housing Maintenance Code violations. These violations, including issues with the building's fire escape, were recorded as Class A and C violations, though some were subsequently certified as corrected. The property has been relatively free of pest issues, with no reported bedbug infestations in the past five years, and passed all rodent inspections from 2011 to 2023, with the exception of one rat activity report in 2010.

Recent health and safety concerns have centered around moisture issues, with a mold complaint filed in October 2023, though inspectors were unable to access the affected areas. The building has undergone various inspections and has had multiple non-violating service requests regarding paint and plaster issues in 2024, indicating ongoing maintenance needs. While many complaints have been investigated and closed without violations being issued, the pattern of reoccurring issues, particularly regarding heating and plumbing systems, suggests ongoing maintenance challenges.