17 East 17th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11226

The 4-story, 20-unit New Law Tenement at 17 East 17th Street in Flatbush, owned by Mordechai Appelbaum and built in 1931, has experienced ongoing maintenance and safety issues over recent years. Most recently, in May 2025, there were multiple housing complaints regarding unsanitary conditions (pests), flooring issues, and problems with paint/plaster on ceilings, though inspections were unable to be completed.

The building has a documented history of water-related issues, with similar problems noted in December 2024 regarding mold and ceiling conditions, and bathroom-related plumbing complaints. A significant incident occurred in 2020 when the bathroom ceiling collapsed in Apartment 3B due to water leakage, leading to an Environmental Control Board violation. The third floor apartment B3SECO has had multiple maintenance issues documented between 2023-2024, including problems with hot water, water leaks, and damaged ceilings, though these violations were subsequently certified as resolved.

The building's plumbing and maintenance infrastructure appears to require ongoing attention, with repeated complaints about bathtubs/showers, sinks, and various ceiling problems. Additionally, there has been a persistent rodent issue, with multiple inspections throughout 2023 documenting rat activity and the application of bait, particularly during the first half of 2023. While the building has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards bedbugs in recent years, with no reported infestations since 2019, the ongoing pest and sanitation issues suggest continued challenges with building maintenance and resident comfort.