617 56th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220

The three-story, six-unit building at 617 56th Street in Sunset Park, owned by Cunzhuang Yang, has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues since 2020. Most recently, in early 2025, there were reports of unsanitary conditions involving pests, though HPD inspectors were unable to gain access to conduct an inspection.

The building has had persistent concerns regarding heat and hot water access, particularly notable in a 2021 emergency complaint where inspectors were again unable to gain access to verify conditions. Multiple violations were documented during inspections in 2021, primarily affecting Apartment 6, including issues with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, electrical fixtures, sink conditions, and various other maintenance concerns. The building's safety systems and documentation have prompted multiple inspections and violations under Local Law 188/17, with the most recent compliance inspections taking place in 2024.

There are currently open violations from 2021 relating to a mortise lock at the building entrance capable of locking tenants inside from the exterior, and multiple safety concerns in Apartment 6 that include missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, defective electrical light fixtures, and issues with kitchen fixtures. The building's environmental control board violations from 2023 noted obstructions to the fire escape landing, while earlier construction-related violations from 2020 resulted in penalties related to inadequate tenant protection plans and work not conforming to approved construction documents. On a positive note, the building has maintained a zero infestation record for bedbugs over multiple reporting periods from 2019 through 2025, and recent bedbug reports from 2024-2025 indicate no current infestations or re-infestations.