542 Hinsdale Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207

The 3-story, 3-unit residential building at 542 Hinsdale Street in East New York, owned by Maureen Williams and constructed in 2005, has experienced significant maintenance and safety issues over the past couple of years. Most notably, there have been recurring problems with heat and hot water throughout the building, with multiple complaints filed between 2023 and 2025, including emergency reports in March 2025 and April 2024 where inspectors were unable to gain access to investigate the issues.

The building currently has several open violations from 2024 related to inadequate heating, water supply problems, and maintenance of plastered surfaces, particularly affecting Apartment 1 on the first floor. Another concerning trend has been the pattern of inspection access issues, as demonstrated by multiple complaints in 2023-2025 regarding heat, hot water, lighting, and carbon monoxide detector concerns where inspectors were unable to gain entry for their investigations. Additionally, the property has faced challenges with garbage storage and general sanitation, as evidenced by violations from 2024 and 2025 related to garbage/recycling storage conditions.

The building's recent history includes three separate complaints about illegal conversions between 2022 and 2025, with the Department of Buildings identifying unauthorized basement apartment construction and associated plumbing/electrical work, resulting in active penalties totaling $18,750. The property has demonstrated variable rodent control results, most recently passing an inspection in March 2025 after failing one in January 2025. While some initial inspections in 2019, 2012, and 2011 showed compliance with rodent control requirements, the recent failures in 2025 indicate a concerning trend in pest management.