503 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

The 7-unit, 4-story Old Law Tenement at 503 Lafayette Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, owned by Herman Jac, has experienced recurring heat and hot water issues, with multiple complaints in recent months, including three separate incidents in January 2025 and another in December 2024, all affecting the entire building. These heating system problems appear to be an ongoing concern, with similar complaints dating back to March 2023. The building has also faced various maintenance challenges, including multiple open violations related to fire safety and building maintenance as of 2024, such as issues with self-closing doors, fire retardant materials, and water leaks in public areas.

A notable safety concern was documented in 2024 involving the fire escape, along with issues regarding door security and window functionality. The property has a history of multiple Department of Buildings (DOB) complaints, particularly in 2022, regarding work without permits, boiler issues, and construction violations, though many of these were closed due to access issues during inspections. More concerning are the active ECB violations from 2020 regarding gas piping installation and boiler registration, with substantial penalties still showing as due.

Recent rodent inspections show variable results, with rat activity noted in early 2023 and again in January 2025, though the building passed several subsequent inspections. The bedbug reporting history from 2019-2022 shows no documented infestations. The building's maintenance record suggests ongoing challenges with building systems and infrastructure, particularly regarding heat, safety systems, and general upkeep.