209 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

The four-story, eight-unit building at 209 12th Street in Gowanus, owned by Frances Clifford, has experienced recurring issues with rodent activity and various maintenance concerns over recent years. Most notably, in late 2024, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found violations related to rat sightings on the property, with follow-up inspections scheduled, and rodent activity was confirmed in early 2025. The building has a documented history of rodent problems, with inspections showing rat activity in multiple years (2017, 2020, 2021, 2025) and evidence of bait application in 2021. The property has faced several significant maintenance challenges, particularly in 2023-2024.

Apartment 3L has multiple open violations as of June 2024, including issues with window guards, water leaks, defective plaster surfaces, and an inoperative smoke detector. Apartment 3R has an open violation concerning self-closing door issues. The building has also undergone inspections related to illegal conversion complaints between 2023 and 2024, though inspectors were unable to gain access for verification. Previous violations were recorded and addressed, including problems with hall surfaces, doorway issues, and the need to remove construction equipment and furniture from public areas.

While there have been no documented bedbug infestations in recent years, seven units were reported as eradicated in late 2022-2023, suggesting previous infestations were successfully addressed. The building, constructed in 1931, has undergone various inspections and received multiple violation notices, though many earlier issues have been closed following repairs or remediation. The most pressing current concerns involve the open violations in Apartments 3L and 3R, the recurring rodent activity, and the overall age-related maintenance needs typical of an older building. While the property's bedbug and illegal conversion issues appear to have stabilized, the persistent rodent problems and recent mold complaints suggest ongoing challenges with building maintenance and pest control.