491 East 52nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203

The 39-unit, 4-story building at 491 East 52nd Street in East Flatbush, managed by Pinchos Jager, has experienced several notable maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most recently, in June 2025, there were multiple reports of electric power outages and paint/plaster issues affecting walls and cabinets. Between March and April 2025, the building faced recurring heat and hot water system failures, with at least eight separate complaints registered during this period, all marked as emergencies. The building also dealt with rodent issues in 2024-2025, with violations documented in multiple apartments including A5 and B1, though recent inspections in February 2025 showed compliance.

Significant structural and safety concerns have been identified through both Housing Maintenance Code violations and Department of Buildings complaints. These include window maintenance issues (broken glass and defective lintels), a mold condition in Apartment D3, and concerns about fire safety due to improperly installed A/C units. The building's maintenance history shows recurring pattern of violations, including a 2024 ECB fine regarding A/C installations and multiple failed inspections in 2013 for rodent-related reasons. Heating system reliability appears to be a persistent issue, with numerous service requests throughout 2025, despite systems being restored each time during inspections.

The property has had three documented bedbug incidents between 2023-2024, though all affected units were reportedly treated and eradicated. Additionally, an illegal conversion complaint in 2024 and various electrical wiring concerns have been recorded, though inspectors often faced access issues during investigations. The building's recent history reveals ongoing challenges with basic services and maintenance compliance, particularly regarding heating systems, pest control, and safety requirements. While some violations have been addressed and closed, such as those related to mice infestations and structural issues, new complaints continue to arise, suggesting potential challenges in consistent long-term maintenance and response to resident concerns. The property has also shown compliance with rodent inspections in 2025, which represents an improvement from multiple failures in earlier years.