157 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

The four-story, six-unit Old Law Tenement building at 157 5th Avenue in Park Slope, constructed in 1920 and currently owned by Townhouse Rental, LLC, has experienced a series of maintenance and safety issues over the past several years. Most recently, in June 2025, there was a documented slow water leak, and in 2023, significant concerns were raised regarding the fire escape safety. The building underwent multiple safety inspections in early 2023, revealing various urgent issues including broken window guards, water supply problems, and ceiling plaster concerns.

Earlier incidents from 2020-2021 involved heating/hot water issues, construction-related indoor air quality concerns, and multiple safety inspections related to sprinkler systems and smoke detectors. The property has been subject to several Department of Buildings (DOB) investigations, particularly in 2020-2021, regarding unauthorized work and safety violations, including blocked fire escapes and unapproved construction modifications to the rear yard structure. The building's maintenance history shows recurring themes of safety concerns, particularly regarding egress and fire safety systems.

Violations have included obstructed fire escapes (2023 issues), problems with the fire escape structure (2019), and multiple citations regarding improper storage and maintenance of safety equipment. While the property has shown compliance with bedbug reporting requirements over the past three years (with no reported infestations), it has faced challenges with other basic systems, including heating and water supply. Most housing maintenance code violations have been resolved through proper certification, but the building has experienced periods requiring emergency attention for basic services. The building's permit history shows active management response to maintenance needs, with permits issued in 2020-2021 for various repairs and improvements, though there were concerns about unauthorized work during this period.