162 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213

The three-story, two-unit residential building at 162 Utica Avenue in Crown Heights, owned by Orville Sudlow, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues in recent months. Most notably, between February and June 2025, there were multiple complaints regarding heat and hot water issues, with three separate complaints filed in February 2025 during a cold weather period. The building has also faced recurring problems with fire escape safety, unsanitary garbage/recycling storage conditions, and missing signage, with the most recent incidents occurring in June 2025.

The third-floor apartment unit (3B) has multiple open Housing Maintenance Code Violations from a December 2024 inspection, including issues with pest infestation, peeling paint, missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintenance concerns regarding doors and plaster surfaces. Unit 3A has documented plumbing and ventilation problems that require repair. The building's exterior has been under scrutiny, particularly regarding sidewalk shed safety, with multiple violations noted between February and September 2024 related to inadequate lighting and safety concerns for pedestrians. These violations carry significant potential penalties, including active fines of $10,000 associated with various hazardous conditions.

Additionally, there is a rodent presence issue in the area, with inspections in May 2023 showing rat activity, though prior inspections in 2022 had passed. The building has also received multiple Department of Buildings violations for failing to file required external low-pressure inspections between 2018-2023, though these appear to be administrative in nature. While many recent complaints have been investigated and closed, with HPD determining that observed conditions did not violate housing laws, there remain several open violations that suggest ongoing maintenance challenges. The building's recent history indicates a pattern of recurring issues, particularly regarding safety systems (fire escape and sidewalk shed), sanitation conditions, and basic services such as heat and hot water.