898 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212

The three-story, three-unit building at 898 Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, owned by Michael Rochford, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years, particularly in 2023-2025. Most notably, in April 2025, the building faced multiple housing code violations including water leaks causing damp spots, pest infestations, and issues with paint/plaster on the ceiling, particularly affecting Apartment 2.

During 2023, the building had documented problems with unsanitary conditions, including mold and poor indoor air quality, as well as various construction and safety compliance matters such as concerns over the fire escape door lock. The property has shown consistent attention to pest management, as evidenced by regular bedbug reporting from 2022-2025 showing no infested units, and successful rodent inspections in August 2023.

Multiple housing maintenance code violations were issued in August 2023, particularly affecting Apartment 2, regarding lead-based paint hazards, water leak repairs, and the need for various surface treatments. The building has undergone some electrical work, with permits issued in 2019 and 2020 for electrical wiring improvements, though a complaint regarding defective/exposed wiring was inspected in June 2023 and found with no violations warranting further action. While the property has faced ongoing maintenance challenges, most recent complaints from 2025 have received prompt attention, with many being closed after inspection, though some violations were issued requiring correction.