20 Duryea Place, Brooklyn, NY 11226

This two-family house located at 20 Duryea Place in Flatbush, owned by Gideon Brown, has a concerning history of maintenance issues and potential illegal conversions. Most recently, in July 2023, there were multiple complaints about unsanitary conditions (pests), a water leak, and a power outage, though inspections resulted in no violations being issued. However, the building currently faces active violations from December 2024 related to illegal conversions, including converting the cellar, basement, and rear yard into SROs (Single Room Occupancies), with associated penalties totaling over $6,000. The property has a documented pattern of maintenance issues, including heat and hot water problems, electrical concerns, and pest infestations.

In 2022, there were multiple violations documented, particularly affecting the second floor apartment (Apt 2) related to heating, hot water, electrical wiring, and floor conditions. The building's illegal conversion status has been previously investigated in 2020 and 2021, though access was denied during inspections. A rat sighting was reported in January 2022, and the property failed a rodent inspection in February 2023. The building's violation history reveals multiple safety and comfort concerns that have persisted over time.

December 2024 violations specifically address unauthorized occupancy changes, citing converted spaces in the cellar, basement, and rear yard. During 2022, the property experienced significant system failures affecting basic services, particularly during the March 28th heat/hot water complaints which were classified as emergencies. While many recent complaints have been closed without violations, the persistence of certain issues and the active illegal conversion violations suggest ongoing regulatory and maintenance challenges for this property. The Department of Buildings has previously issued penalties related to the illegal conversion, though some earlier violations were marked as resolved or closed without fines.