317 Lefferts Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

The 6-story, 53-unit building at 317 Lefferts Avenue, constructed in 1926 and currently owned by Miriam Sarway, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years. Most concerning are multiple heating and hot water system failures documented throughout 2024 and 2025, with numerous complaints about lack of service across the entire building. In May 2025, HPD issued violations related to a fire escape safety concern, marking the most recent building safety issue. The building's maintenance history shows a pattern of recurring problems, with nine documented heat/hot water complaints between November 2024 and February 2025, and unsanitary conditions including mold issues.

December 2024 violations identified significant problems in apartment 5F, including mold, pests (mice and roaches), and various safety equipment deficiencies such as missing carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. The building's inspection record regarding pest control shows mixed results, with three bedbug infestations reported between 2019 and 2021, though recent filings from 2022 to the present show no new cases. Rodent inspections have been conducted regularly, revealing rat activity in October 2023, while previous inspections generally passed. The property has also faced building code violations, with active issues from 2020 regarding construction debris accumulation in the rear yard, and safety concerns about a suspended scaffold.

Historical complaints, including those related to illegal curb cuts and parking lot lighting, have generally been dismissed or found unsubstantiated. The building has experienced utility service interruptions and maintenance access issues, with multiple complaints being closed due to inability to inspect units even when problems were reported by tenants. While the building's most recent violations (2024-2025) have generally been addressed through HPD inspections and subsequent enforcement actions, the pattern of heating system failures, safety equipment deficiencies, and pest control issues suggests ongoing maintenance challenges. The property has had multiple ownership changes in the past, with various renovation permits issued between 2019-2020. Regulatory agencies have documented both resolved and active violations, including a historical 2020 ECB violation related to unsecured scaffolding that was charged $2,500, though it now shows a balance of $0.