557 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

The 18-unit, 4-story New Law Tenement building at 557 Franklin Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, owned by Tom Rosenberg and built in 1930, has faced numerous maintenance challenges in recent years, particularly regarding its electrical and plumbing systems. Most recently, in May 2025, there were multiple power outage incidents requiring HPD inspections, with one resulting in violations being issued. The building has also experienced significant electrical issues, with multiple complaints and investigations throughout 2025, including reports of defective/exposed wiring.

Plumbing problems have been persistent, with violations in 2024-2025 concerning cooking gas supply, water leaks, and radiator issues, as well as Housing Maintenance Code violations related to an infestation of pests in Apartment 11. The property has a concerning history of safety and maintenance issues, including multiple gas hook-up violations, problems with doors/windows, and water leaks, particularly affecting Apartment 11. The building experienced heating and hot water issues in December 2024, and there have been recurring concerns about electrical systems, with several inspections in 2025 noting the inspectors' inability to gain access to complete their evaluations.

While rodent inspections have shown some improvement, with passed results most recently, there have been multiple instances of rat activity recorded between 2022 and 2024. Importantly, the building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbugs, with no reported infestations in the past five years. Environmental Control Board violations from 2024 highlight issues with egress blockage and gas meter problems, with one gas-related violation still listed as active with a penalty imposed.