968 East 167th Street, Bronx, NY 10459

The three-story, two-family house at 968 East 167th Street in Longwood, owned by Joe Lefko and constructed in 1932, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, in April 2024, multiple complaints were filed regarding water leakage in the building, including reports of damp spots and slow leaks, with at least one violation issued by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Other April 2024 complaints included concerns about paint/plaster issues and an emergency complaint regarding heat/hot water problems, though HPD inspectors could not gain access to verify the latter.

These water-related issues were primarily documented in Apartment 1, along with pest control violations for mouse and roach infestations, and a citation issued for peeling paint requiring proper repair and repainting with light-colored paint. The building has also faced persistent hot water supply issues, with multiple violations noted in inspections from 2011, 2015, and 2022. The property has a documented history of rodent activity, with inspections showing rat presence in early 2018, in 2019, and 2022, though recent inspections in 2023, 2024, and 2025 passed without any recorded activity.

A significant environmental violation was recorded in 2020 regarding improper building maintenance, specifically related to waste disposal, which resulted in a $250 penalty. The building also underwent inspection for bedbugs from 2021 through 2024, with all filings showing no infested units. While the property has had its share of maintenance challenges, recent rodent inspections have shown improvement, with the most recent three inspections all passing without issue. The building's maintenance history suggests ongoing attention is required to address recurring issues, particularly relating to water leaks and heating systems, though some recent improvements are evident in other areas.