698 Cleveland Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208

The three-story, six-unit New Law Tenement building at 698 Cleveland Street in East New York, owned by Joe Lax and constructed in 1930, has experienced persistent maintenance and safety issues over the past several years. Most notably, there have been recurring heat and hot water problems, with multiple emergency complaints recorded in late 2023 and early 2024, though some were resolved promptly. Recent complaints from August 2024 regarding unsanitary conditions, door issues, and intercom problems were not able to be inspected by HPD, raising concerns about building access and maintenance response.

The building has also faced plumbing challenges, with both slow and heavy water leaks reported in early 2024, and a notable ceiling paint/plaster issue in December 2023 that resulted in violations. The property has a documented history of pest problems, including a violation for not filing annual bedbug reports in 2022-2023, though recent filings for 2024-2025 show no current infestations. Rodent activity has been consistently documented between 2021 and 2023, with multiple bait applications and inspections showing rat activity throughout this period.

The building's fire escape system received attention in 2018 for defective drop ladder operation and obstruction issues, which were subsequently corrected. A recent Department of Buildings violation in September 2024 regarding an external low-pressure inspection filing requirement remains active as of the current date. This combination of issues suggests ongoing challenges with building maintenance and infrastructure, though there have been efforts to address some of these problems through repairs and inspections.