140 Hancock Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216

140 Hancock Street is a 5-story, 25-unit Old Law Tenement building located in Bedford-Stuyvesant and owned by Howard Hershkovich. Built in 1892, the property has experienced various maintenance issues over the past few years, with the most recent concerns centered around appliance problems (electric/gas ranges) in late 2024, which HPD was unable to inspect despite multiple complaints.

The building has faced recurring issues with garbage/recycling storage, particularly notable in 2023 and 2024, though these complaints resulted in no violations upon inspection. Significant infrastructure problems have included a heavy water leak reported in July 2023, heat and hot water issues affecting the entire building in December 2022, and multiple rodent-related concerns throughout 2024, including inspections showing rat activity and multiple bait applications.

The building has several active violations that warrant attention, including failures to file required external low-pressure inspections in 2018 and 2021, and outstanding violations from 2022 regarding fire escape access, roof door conditions, and various maintenance requirements. While there have been no bedbug infestations reported in the past five years, the building's maintenance history shows recurring issues with basic services and infrastructure, including garbage management and water systems. The property has consistently filed its bedbug reports showing zero affected units, and recent rodent inspections in early 2025 passed, suggesting some improvements in pest management, though this followed extensive baiting efforts throughout 2024.