81-09 149th Avenue, Queens, NY 11414

The two-family house at 81-09 149th Avenue in Howard Beach, owned by Kevin Zeng, has experienced several significant maintenance issues since 2019. Most notably, there have been recurring problems with heat and hot water, including an emergency complaint in June 2022 that resulted in violations from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for inadequate hot water at fixtures in the first-floor apartment. This followed multiple heat/hot water complaints in April-May 2019, which were temporarily resolved but indicated ongoing system problems.

Other maintenance issues have included mold (August 2021), and multiple non-emergency complaints in 2019 related to electric outlets, cabinets, flooring, and window frames, though inspectors were often unable to gain access to the units for verification. The building has faced serious regulatory concerns, particularly in 2019 when HPD inspections revealed potential illegal modifications in the cellar, including unauthorized cooking facilities and living spaces. These violations, categorized as Class B, indicated possible illegal conversion from a private to multiple dwelling use, though no further action seems to be recorded regarding these citations.

Two Environmental Control Board violations were also issued in 2019 - one for work without a permit involving changes to garage doors and windows, and another for creating unauthorized apartment facilities with kitchen and bathroom installations, which incurred a $2,500 penalty. While these violations were marked as resolved, they raise concerns about past compliance with building regulations. The building's recent history suggests persistent challenges with basic building systems and code compliance, though the most recent documented violations (from 2022) appear to have reached resolution stages.