1503 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237

1503 Gates Avenue is a 3-story, 4-unit Old Law Tenement building located in Bushwick, built in 1931 and currently owned by Y Kaufman. The building has experienced recurring issues with heat and hot water systems, with multiple complaints in 2025 (most recently in May 2025) despite temporary resolutions indicated by HPD inspections. There are also ongoing electrical concerns, as evidenced by a January 2025 complaint about outlet/switch problems and another about lighting issues. A significant pattern of plumbing issues has emerged, particularly in February 2025, where investigations into toilet problems faced access challenges for HPD inspectors.

The building has documented issues with water leaks, pests, and various maintenance concerns, including a current ventilation system complaint filed in June 2025. From a safety and code compliance perspective, there are several notable violations. In 2021, there were multiple open violations related to Apartment 2F, including defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, plumbing issues, and evidence of water leaks. The building's fire escape system was noted as defective in 2021.

More recently, in September 2023, there are active ECB violations regarding unauthorized conversion of the first-floor garage area into commercial space and work done without proper permits, with associated penalties totaling $12,500. The building's maintenance history shows periods of pest infestations, particularly in 2021, though recent bedbug reports from 2022-2024 indicate no infested units. The property has undergone regular rodent inspections, with passed results in 2024 and 2025, though there were instances of rat activity noted in 2022. The building's age and maintenance history suggest ongoing challenges with basic building systems, though recent inspections appear to show some improvements in pest control and rodent issues.