353 Cypress Avenue, Bronx, NY 10454

353 Cypress Avenue is a 48-unit, 6-story New Law Tenement building constructed in 1925, currently owned by South Bronx Community Lemle Wolff LLC. The building has experienced recurring heat and hot water issues, with multiple complaints documented throughout 2024 and into 2025, including both apartment-specific and building-wide problems that required emergency responses from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Recent complaints have followed a pattern of being unresolvable due to inability to gain apartment access for inspection. In addition to heating problems, the building has faced various maintenance challenges, including water-related issues (heavy flow leaks) in 2023, and multiple appliance-related complaints regarding refrigerators and ranges between 2021 and 2022.

The property has undergone several inspections and repairs throughout its history, with notable violations and maintenance needs addressed in late 2024. These included repairs to the 5th story public hall ceiling (water leak, paint, fire retardant material), and issues with a roof door requiring attention. An infestation of mice was documented and addressed in apartment 6F in November 2024, while the building's bedbug reports for the past three years (2021-2024) show zero infestation cases. The building's structural and safety history includes two significant complaints from 2018 regarding building stability and debris concerns, though these were ultimately resolved.

Regular rodent inspections have been conducted, with the most recent in June 2023 passing, indicating improved conditions compared to earlier years when rat activity was noted. The building's maintenance record shows a pattern of recurring issues, particularly regarding heat and water systems, with the most recent complaints remaining unresolved as of late 2024. While some violations have been addressed through repairs and inspections, the frequency of heat-related complaints suggests ongoing infrastructure challenges. Recent inspections in 2024-2025 have focused on both emergency responses and routine maintenance issues, with various violations being closed out through certification of corrections. The property's age and classification as a New Law Tenement building contribute to its complex maintenance history, though the lack of recent bedbug reports and passing rodent inspection results indicate some improvements in pest management during the past several years.