298 Covert Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

The three-story, six-unit tenement building at 298 Covert Street in Bushwick, owned by David Cohen, has exhibited several concerning patterns of maintenance issues over the past few years. Most recently, in June 2025, there were complaints of power outages and intercom system failures, though HPD was unable to complete inspections in response to these complaints. The building experienced significant heat and hot water system problems in late 2024, with multiple complaints being filed and some violations issued, particularly affecting apartment 2R, which was documented to have multiple violations including inadequate heat and hot water, defective smoke detector, and other maintenance issues.

There has been ongoing concern about pest control, with multiple reports of rat activity documented throughout 2024 and 2025, leading to routine bait applications. Additionally, the building had a challenging history with plumbing issues, as demonstrated by a 2018 partial stop work order and subsequent violation regarding permits and plumbing work. The building's maintenance history shows a mix of addressed and persistent issues, particularly related to building systems like heat/hot water and electrical infrastructure.

While there have been no reported bedbug infestations in recent years (as per mandatory filings showing zero infested units from 2019-2025), recent rodent control efforts suggest continuing pest management challenges. The property has a documented history of various maintenance code violations, though many have been addressed through inspections and repairs. The most recent building inspections have focused on addressing these ongoing concerns, though some violations from late 2024 remain open as of late 2025, including access issues to the heating system in the basement boiler room. The building's age (constructed in 1906) and classification as a New Law Tenement suggest it has experienced typical urban infrastructure challenges, with recent years showing particular focus on heating/hot water systems and pest control as primary maintenance concerns.