1544 St Marks Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233

1544 St Marks Avenue is a two-story, two-family home in Crown Heights, built in 1899 and currently owned by Michael Brown. The building has experienced recurring issues with basic infrastructure systems over recent years. Most notably, there have been multiple complaints and violations related to heat and hot water systems, particularly in 2023 and 2024, affecting both the first floor and basement apartments, with the most recent violation from March 2023 indicating inadequate heat supply in the entire apartment.

The property has also faced challenges with water-related issues, including slow leaks in 2024 (still reportedly affecting Apartment 1), and multiple electrical system complaints, including wiring issues in both 2022 and 2023. Recent inspections from September 2024 revealed several open violations in Apartment 1, including problems with peeling paint, defective plaster surfaces, water leaks in the bathroom and hallway ceilings, pest infestation (mice), and the absence of carbon monoxide detectors. The building's maintenance history shows multiple inspection attempts regarding possible illegal conversions, including a 2024 active complaint and a 2023 closed complaint where inspectors were unable to gain access.

An Environmental Control Board violation from March 2023 noted unlawful occupancy conditions in the cellar, including an unauthorized electric range and kitchen sink, resulting in a penalty that remains partially outstanding. The property has a history of plumbing issues and multiple service requests to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) between 2022 and 2023, with several complaints about heat/hot water (both emergency and non-emergency) and electrical systems. While many of these complaints were closed through inspections, some remain open, particularly those related to water leaks and pest infestation. The building underwent several permitted renovations in 2019, including plumbing and electrical work, though the current state of these improvements appears to be inadequate in addressing persistent maintenance issues.