48 Hale Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208

48 Hale Avenue is a two-family house located in the Cypress Hills neighborhood, built in 1920 and currently owned by Bernardo Rodriguez. The building has experienced recurring heating and hot water issues, with five documented complaints between late 2022 and early 2025, including one in January 2025 that affected the entire building. These complaints were typically marked as "Emergency" by HPD, though inspectors often could not gain access to verify the conditions.

The property has also faced persistent pest issues, particularly during 2021-2022, with multiple complaints about unsanitary conditions and rodent problems, though a July 2022 inspection passed without violations. Significant structural and maintenance concerns were documented in August 2021, including multiple violations for water leaks, defective plaster surfaces, and mouse infestations in Apartment 1 (first story). More concerning are the multiple Department of Buildings (DOB) violations from 2021 related to illegal modifications, including unauthorized cellar modifications creating additional living spaces and bathroom facilities, which resulted in penalties totaling $50,000.

These violations included unauthorized partitions, plumbing installations, and occupancy contrary to the approved Certificate of Occupancy, though some of these penalties have been marked as "Resolved" with payments noted. The building's environmental control board (ECB) violations indicate a history of non-compliance with permit requirements and unauthorized alterations, with one case resulting in a $2,500 penalty for failure to comply with a commissioner's order in December 2021. While the building's basic utilities and pest control have been intermittently addressed, the pattern of heating system failures, unauthorized modifications, and various housing code violations suggest ongoing maintenance and compliance challenges.