211 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

The three-story, three-unit Old Law Tenement at 211 Franklin Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, built in 1905 and currently owned by Martha Barnes, has experienced several notable events related to resident health and building maintenance over recent years. Of particular concern is the building's current status regarding rodent activity, with recent inspections showing persistent issues; most recently in July 2025, inspectors reported rat activity following previous inspections that had generally passed. The building has also faced challenges with meeting housing maintenance code requirements, notably regarding annual bedbug reporting compliance, with violations recorded in 2022-2024, though more recent filings from 2025 show no infested units or re-infestations.

Historical violations from 1990 indicated various maintenance issues including requirements for proper lighting, visible street numbers, and smoke detector notices, though these were ultimately resolved with 2023 certifications. The property's inspection history reveals a mixed record of compliance with health and safety regulations. While many recent inspections have generally passed, the recurring rodent activity noted in 2025 stands out as a significant resident quality of life concern.

The building's bedbug reporting history shows systematic compliance with reporting requirements from 2019-2025, with all filings indicating zero infested units or re-infestations during those periods. It's worth noting that the building has maintained regular rodent inspections, with most recent results showing either passing or noting the presence of rat activity, suggesting ongoing monitoring of this particular issue. The most recent notable improvements include the resolution of several long-standing violations from 1990, which were certified as corrected in 2023, demonstrating the owner's efforts to address historical maintenance issues while continuing to navigate more recent challenges.