291 Fountain Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208

Located in East New York, 291 Fountain Avenue is a 3-story, 6-unit New Law Tenement built in 1930, currently owned by Shlome Reifer. The building has experienced recurring maintenance issues, with the most recent cluster of problems reported in September 2024 including electrical problems (lighting and outlets), water leaks, and various paint/plaster issues affecting ceilings and walls. These complaints led to multiple Housing Maintenance Code violations, particularly affecting the first-floor apartment (1F), which is currently documented as having open violations for electrical services, water leaks, mouse and roach infestations, and various structural issues including cabinet and ceiling problems.

The Department of Buildings has active violations from June 2023 regarding failure to file required external low pressure inspections for 2019, 2020, and 2021. The building has a history of infrastructure concerns, with the most recent complaint from June 2025 regarding a bulging/cracked wall/retaining wall. A serious egress-related violation was recorded in February 2022, though the inspector was unable to gain access for verification.

While the building has not reported any bedbug infestations in the past five years (2021-2025), there was a significant rodent inspection in 2012 that passed. Several plumbing and maintenance issues have been documented through 311 service requests, particularly in late 2024, including problems with plumbing (sinks/basins), painting/plastering, and cabinet issues. The building underwent some permitted work in late 2019, with multiple permits issued for electrical and related work, but the current violations suggest ongoing maintenance challenges.