688 Cleveland Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208

The 4-unit, 3-story New Law Tenement at 688 Cleveland Street, owned by Avis Whint and constructed in 1930, has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues over recent years. Most notably, in July 2021, the building underwent multiple inspections that revealed serious concerns in Apartment 2, including defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a mice infestation, and non-self-closing entrance doors, all of which were addressed by August 2021.

The building faced additional challenges in April 2021, with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) violations issued for mold and unsanitary conditions, though no violations were found regarding paint/plaster issues. Since then, the property has maintained a record of compliance with bedbug reporting requirements, with the most recent reports from 2025 showing no infested units. The building's safety systems have been continuously monitored, with annual inspections noting a recurring requirement to file bedbug reports (2022-2024).

A significant safety improvement was made in 2021 when a gas leak procedure notice was posted in compliance with HPD regulations. Prior to these incidents, the building passed a rodent inspection in 2012, and there was an investigation into potential illegal hotel rooms in 2018, though inspectors were unable to gain access. While the property has demonstrated responsiveness to regulatory requirements and has maintained bedbug-free status in recent years, the 2021 violations revealed periods of maintenance challenges that prospective tenants should consider.