445 East 22nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11226

The 4-story, 13-unit residential building at 445 East 22nd Street in Flatbush, owned by Naftali Hager, has experienced several recurring maintenance issues over the past few years, with the most significant ongoing concern being an active rodent infestation as of 2025, evidenced by multiple bait applications from April through July 2025, and rat activity noted in inspections. The building has a documented history of heating and hot water system problems, with multiple emergency complaints filed between 2021 and 2023, though recent heating issues appear to have stabilized. A thorough inspection in September 2024 revealed several critical safety concerns that were subsequently addressed, including fire egress violations related to blocked fire escapes, storage of combustible materials in fireproof passageways, and other safety-related issues.

Apartment 1C underwent significant repairs addressing various housing maintenance code violations, including electrical, plumbing, and safety concerns such as a defective smoke detector, obstructed fire escape window, water leaks, and loose light fixtures. The building's maintenance history shows regular interaction with city agencies, including HPD and DOHMH, with multiple non-emergency complaints regarding plumbing, appliance issues, and sanitation matters. A Department of Buildings violation remains active from April 2023 related to an external low-pressure inspection that was not filed.

Notably, the building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with no reported cases in the past five years between 2019-2024. Recent environmental improvements include the replacement of broken stair masonry and repairs to defective fire exits, indicating management's response to safety concerns. However, the persistent rodent activity and the history of heating system problems suggest ongoing maintenance challenges within the building.