88-20 51st Avenue, Queens, NY 11373

This 2-family house at 88-20 51st Avenue in Elmhurst, built in 1930 and currently owned by Sheng Yang, has experienced several significant maintenance and safety issues in recent years. Most notably, there are active violations regarding illegal conversion of the cellar space, with two open B-class violations from 2022 concerning unauthorized kitchen and bathroom facilities installation, and illegal occupancy contrary to the building's certificate of occupancy. These violations have resulted in Environmental Control Board fines totaling $2,500, although the current balance due is $0.

The building has also faced multiple plumbing and maintenance issues, particularly in March 2022, when several emergency complaints were made regarding bathtub/shower and sink problems. Additional non-emergency complaints during this period included water leaks and issues with wall paint/plaster. The building's heating and hot water systems have been problematic, with heat/hot water complaints recorded in both 2020 and 2022, including a 2020 violation for insufficient hot water in the second-story apartment, though this particular violation was subsequently closed.

Security concerns have also been documented, including an open violation from 2020 regarding an illegal double-cylinder keyed lock on the building entrance door. Recent pest control inspections show a mixed record, with rat activity reported in September 2024, though the subsequent December 2024 inspection passed compliance. While some issues have been resolved through inspections and service requests, the building continues to have active violations related to its unlawful cellar conversion and associated plumbing and utility systems.