1656 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237

The three-story, 6-unit tenement building at 1656 Dekalb Avenue in Bushwick, built in 1931 and currently owned by Ofir Badash, has experienced a range of significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most notably, between late 2024 and early 2025, the building faced multiple violations that included problems with heat and hot water, plumbing issues, pest infestations, and safety concerns regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The building's third-floor apartment (3L) has been particularly affected, with documented violations for mold (greater than 30 sq ft), rodent infestation, defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, problematic window features, exposed electrical wires, and plumbing issues, including leaky faucets.

Recent service requests have also highlighted ongoing concerns with unsanitary conditions, including pigeon waste and pests, and the building has experienced intermittent heat and hot water problems. The property has active violations related to external low-pressure inspections that remain unaddressed since 2023, and there has been documented rat activity throughout 2024 and into 2025, despite multiple bait applications and inspections. While the building's bedbug reports from 2019 through 2024 show no recorded infestations, the persistent pest and sanitation issues, along with the current open violations and safety concerns, suggest ongoing maintenance challenges.

The most recent inspection in March 2025 confirmed rat activity, indicating that rodent control efforts have been only partially effective. The building's safety systems have also been a concern, with violations issued for defective detectors and visible mold conditions affecting habitability. The property has undergone several inspections in response to complaints, with some violations being corrected while others remain open, particularly in relation to moisture damage, safety systems, and pest control measures.