551 Euclid Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208

The 2-story, 4-unit tenement building at 551 Euclid Avenue in East New York, owned by Carlos Smith, has a documented history of maintenance and code compliance issues dating back several years. Most recently, the building experienced a power outage in May 2025, which prompted an HPD inspection attempt that could not be completed. This incident follows a pattern of access issues for inspections, as seen in previous complaints from 2024 (heating/hot water) and multiple instances in 2022 and 2021 regarding heating/hot water and pest-related problems. The building has persistent heating and hot water system issues, with complaints recorded in 2019, 2021, and 2024, though most have been resolved without violations being issued.

The property has several open violations that warrant attention. Of particular concern are five active ECB violations from 2021-2022 related to work performed without proper permits, particularly concerning cellar modifications, with penalties totaling $62,500. There are also three open violations related to the failure to file annual bedbug reports (2022-2024). The building's history includes multiple pest-related complaints, with inspections finding various conditions in 2022 and 2021.

Structural issues have been noted, such as defective fire egress in 2022 and deteriorating mortar at parapet walls. A significant violation from 2020 alleges unauthorized conversion from 4 to 5 families, involving modifications to the cellar level, which appears to have led to multiple subsequent violations regarding unpermitted work and failure to correct previous orders. The building's management history shows recurring patterns of maintenance issues, with multiple complaints indicating system failures, access problems for inspections, and a lack of timely resolution for some violations. The property was initially constructed in 1925 and, despite its age, has maintained a pattern of non-compliance with several current regulations, particularly regarding proper documentation and work authorization. While some historical issues have been resolved—such as a 2012 rodent inspection that passed—there remains a substantial list of active violations and recurring maintenance problems that affect basic services like heating and electricity.