61-40 Saunders Street, Queens, NY 11374

The 73-unit, 5-story building at 61-40 Saunders Street in Rego Park, constructed in 1927 and currently owned by Andrew Roufail, has experienced several concerning maintenance issues over the past two years. Most notably, there have been recurring problems with heat and hot water systems, with three documented complaints in 2023-2024 affecting the entire building. The property has also faced multiple pest-related challenges, with at least three pest violations documented in 2024 alone, including open violations related to cockroach and bedbug infestations in Apartment B21. Recent service requests from February 2025 indicate ongoing maintenance issues, including water leaks and ceiling problems that resulted in HPD violations being issued.

The building's safety infrastructure has been a significant concern, with multiple violations related to egress and fire safety between 2022-2023. These include complaints about blocked fire escapes, construction materials obstructing emergency exits, and a failure to provide required fire guard coverage during construction work in July 2023. The property has also experienced periodic water heater issues, with multiple inspections showing problems with the hot water system and associated violations. Interestingly, while the building has documented pest issues, recent bedbug reporting shows a pattern of infestation and eradication, with five units reported infested and successfully treated between 2023-2024, though no new infestations were noted in the subsequent reporting period.

The building underwent several local law compliance inspections in 2024, though specific outcomes and any resulting violations were not prominently reported. The property has shown some positive maintenance outcomes, with rodent inspections in 2023 showing passing results, and environmental control board violations related to construction work from 2022 showing no balance due at this time. However, multiple open violations remain, particularly regarding fire safety and egress issues, suggesting that some critical safety concerns have not yet been fully addressed. The building's owner has received various violation notices and inspection results over the past two years, with several cases requiring immediate attention to dangerous conditions, including the need for fire guards and corrections to construction-related issues.