212 Lefferts Place, Brooklyn, NY 11238

212 Lefferts Place is a 4-story, 12-unit multi-family building constructed in 1900, currently owned by Chris Handyman. The property has a concerning history of heat and hot water issues, particularly evident in 2023 when multiple emergency complaints were filed between May and October regarding building-wide heating and hot water failures, some of which resulted in HPD violations. More recent concerns include an active rat infestation, with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issuing violations in May 2024.

The building has also faced significant regulatory scrutiny for potential illegal conversions, with multiple complaints about unauthorized unit configurations leading to substantial Environmental Control Board violations totaling $290,000 in penalties. These violations include failures to maintain proper egress, inadequate fire alarm systems, and other safety code deficiencies. The property has experienced recurring maintenance issues, particularly affecting Apartment 1, where recent violations (2023) include the need for a functional carbon monoxide detector, hot water supply problems, and visible mold in the bathroom.

Previous issues from 2018-2019 noted various plumbing and maintenance problems in Apartments 1 and 2, including bathroom fixture defects and water damage. Multiple complaints between 2019-2022 suggested the building may have been operating with unauthorized additional units or as an illegal hotel, though some inspections resulted in access denial. Recent rodent inspections show inconsistent results, with rat activity noted several times between 2023 and 2025, though the most recent April 2025 inspection passed. The building's documented history raises multiple red flags regarding maintenance, safety, and potential code violations, with most recent issues centering on heat/hot water systems and pest control.