1398 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233

The two-story, four-unit building at 1398 Pitkin Avenue in Brownsville, owned by Ephraim Okounev and built in 1910, has experienced some concerning maintenance issues in recent years. Most notably, in December 2023, the Department of Health issued violations related to rodent activity, with follow-up inspections scheduled.

The building has documented multiple plumbing issues over the past several years, including toilet and sink problems in 2023, and more recent violations from August 2024 in apartment 2R involving defective faucets and water leaks in the bathroom ceiling. Health and safety concerns have been documented through various inspections, including exposed electrical wiring in the public hall noted in August 2024, and the absence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in apartment 2R. The building has a persistent history of heat and hot water issues, with multiple complaints between 2020 and 2021.

While there have been no bedbug infestations reported in recent years (with the most recent inspections showing 0 infested units), there have been significant pest management efforts, particularly for rodents, with confirmed rat activity documented throughout 2024 and bait applications occurring multiple times. The property has seen various other maintenance issues requiring attention, including mold (2021), sanitation violations, and general upkeep matters. The most recent inspection records suggest active pest management efforts are ongoing, with the most recent rodent inspection in July 2024 showing continued rat activity, though various maintenance violations from August 2024 have been certified as corrected as of October 2024.