2162 Valentine Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457

The six-story New Law tenement building at 2162 Valentine Avenue in Fordham, owned by Gerald Leibman, was constructed in 1922 and contains 60 units. The property has experienced several significant issues in recent years, most notably suffering a two-alarm fire on January 16, 2024, that affected the rear wing, particularly impacting Apartment 9B on the third floor, public halls, stairwells, and windows throughout multiple apartments. This incident led to multiple active violations regarding the building's structural integrity and habitation status. In 2025, the building faced various maintenance challenges, including ongoing problems with heating and hot water systems in March 2025 (with multiple complaints), issues with electric/gas ranges in several units, and concerns about walls, flooring, and various appliances.

Three emergency complaints remain open as of July 2025, including issues related to fire escape safety, unsanitary conditions, and mold. The building's maintenance history reveals persistent pest control challenges, with multiple inspections showing rat activity in 2024 and 2025, though the most recent bedbug reports from 2023-2025 indicate no infestations in the past three filing periods. Recent housing code violations include problems with wall conditions, cabinet issues, and multiple floor-related complaints. The Department of Buildings records show various structural and maintenance concerns, including issues with exterior walls, staircase conditions, and unauthorized electrical work.

There have also been multiple instances where inspectors were unable to gain access to conduct necessary inspections, particularly during 2025 heat/hot water complaints and some appliance-related issues. The building has been subject to several fines and penalties, including a $1,600 charge related to unauthorized electrical work in May 2024. The property's most critical concerns revolve around the aftermath of the 2024 fire, which has resulted in multiple active violations regarding the building's structure and habitability, along with ongoing maintenance issues that require attention. While some historical pest issues appear to have been resolved, recent inspections show continued concerns with vermin activity.