401 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207

The two-family brownstone at 401 New Lots Avenue in East New York, owned by Hayward Sumler, has a concerning pattern of safety and maintenance issues over recent years. Most notably, there are two open violations from March 2023 and April 2024 regarding the failure to file annual bedbug reports as required by HPD regulations. In late 2022, there were multiple emergency complaints and violations related to safety systems, including non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in both apartments on the second floor, which were addressed through inspections that issued violations.

The building also experienced heat and hot water issues, with complaints filed for both the entire building and individual apartments in November and December 2022, though some inspections found conditions not requiring heat at the time of inspection. The property has a documented history of rodent-related issues, with a recent complaint filed in January 2024 about conditions attracting rodents, though health inspectors were unable to access the property for inspection. Prior to these recent issues, the building's rodent inspections from 2012 had passed.

Additionally, there was a building safety violation recorded in May 2022 regarding a defective iron ladder leading to a scuttle opening in the roof at the public hall. The building's safety systems, including smoke and CO detectors, have required multiple interventions, with violations specifically noting missing or non-functional equipment in different parts of the building. While some issues have been addressed through inspections and violations, several open violations remain, particularly concerning bedbug reporting requirements.