4400 Wickham Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466

The 22-unit, 5-story New Law Tenement at 4400 Wickham Avenue in Wakefield, owned by Abe Peters and built in 1930, has experienced several notable issues and violations in recent years. An alarming cluster of problems was documented in June 2025, with multiple complaints including broken/missing window guards, safety issues with smoke detectors, electrical problems (no lighting), and various maintenance concerns involving doors, appliances, ceilings, walls, floors, pests, and the intercom system. These complaints were particularly concerning due to the HPD inspectors' inability to gain access for proper evaluation, resulting in closed cases with a recommendation to re-file if issues persisted.

More significant violations were recorded in late 2024, including multiple open violations related to building security systems, such as defective self-closing doors, illegal electromagnetic devices, and broken locks, particularly affecting entrance security and safety systems. The building has a concerning history of structural and maintenance issues, with active ECB violations as of October 2022 citing step cracks and missing mortar throughout the brick facade. Previous inspections and complaints between 2022-2023 indicated problems with building systems and maintenance, including concerns about shaking/vibration, failure to maintain building systems, and the need for sidewalk sheds. While the building underwent regular pest control inspections with no current bedbug infestations reported, rodent inspections in late 2022 and early 2023 indicated rat activity.

Housing code violations from 2023 documented issues with defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Apartment 2A, and painting violations in Apartment 5E, which were subsequently resolved. Two building stability complaints were filed in late 2022 and late 2023, though inspections reportedly found no violations warranting further action at those times. More recently, there appears to be an issue with record keeping or compliance regarding low-pressure inspection filing requirements, as indicated by a September 2024 violation. The substantial number of maintenance complaints, particularly those involving safety systems and entry security, suggests ongoing challenges with building upkeep and timely response to tenant concerns.