285 East 138 Street
Composite verdict
The building at 285 East 138 Street has a manageable HPD record — 2 open Class B violations and an A-grade score of 90 — but one of those violations (a broken toilet flush mechanism in Apt 5U) has been open for 369 days despite a 'fast' landlord-response rating, which is worth pressing on. The more significant concern is the neighborhood crime picture: a score of 0 out of 100 with an F grade, 186 total incidents, and 44 sex crimes topping the offense list. Noise is also a real issue — 105 complaints in the past 12 months earn an F grade, with 84 of those being residential noise complaints between neighbors. On the positive side, the entire building's 7 rent-stabilized units show zero deregulation since 2007, subway access is excellent (1-minute walk to the 6 train), and bedbug risk is rated low with only 2 infested filings in the past 3 years.
Class B
Class C
past 12 months
units
(out of 100)
rent
rating
min walk
(311 complaints)
errands grade
nearby
- One of the 2 open Class B HPD violations — a broken toilet flushing apparatus in Apt 5U — has been open for 369 days. Why hasn't it been resolved, and what is the current status of that repair?
- The crime score for this area is 0/100 (F grade) with 186 incidents nearby, including 44 sex crimes as the top offense category. What specific security measures does the building have — working intercom, cameras, key-fob entry, lighting in common areas?
- 311 records show 84 residential noise complaints in the past 12 months, earning an F noise grade. How is noise managed between units — are walls and floors insulated, and what is the landlord's process for handling noise complaints?
- There were 32 HEAT/HOT WATER complaints in the 311 data for this area. Has this building had heating or hot water outages in the past two winters, and how quickly are they typically resolved?
- The building was built in 1965 and is 61 years old. What major systems — boiler, elevator, plumbing, electrical — have been updated, and when were those upgrades completed?
- The entire building is listed as rent-stabilized with 7 stabilized units out of 7 total, and zero deregulation since 2007. Can you confirm in writing that the unit being offered is rent-stabilized, and provide the current legal regulated rent for that apartment?
- Test the elevator operation and inspect the lobby, hallways, and stairwells for signs of deferred maintenance — given the building's age of 61 years, look specifically for water staining on ceilings, peeling paint, and the condition of common-area lighting and door locks.
- Check the soundproofing between units during the showing — knock on walls, listen for neighbor activity, and ask to visit at a time when residents are likely home, since 84 residential noise complaints in 12 months suggests real sound transmission issues between apartments.
- Observe the building entrance, street lighting, and immediate block conditions at the time of your visit — the F-grade crime score with 186 incidents and 44 sex crimes nearby makes it worth assessing how secure and well-lit the entry points and surrounding sidewalks actually feel.
285 East 138 Street sits in Bronx, ZIP 10454. The closest subway is 3 Av-138 St (6) (1-minute walk), served by the 4, 5, and 6 lines. Within an 800-meter walk you'll find 13 restaurants, 1 cafe, 6 groceries, and 1 pharmacy — a walkable-errands grade of A. Nearby public schools include P.S. 030 Hernandez/Hughes (grades Pre-K to 5), a 12-minute walk. Noise activity over the past 12 months is very high noise activity — 105 noise complaints filed via 311, mostly residential noise. NYPD CompStat data places this precinct at a 0/100 safety score.
- Class B · 2 open · penalty 10 · (5/ea)
- Apr 29, 2021 "FAILURE TO DISPLAY ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCORE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRADE AS PER ADCODE SEC. 28-309.12.3"
- Jan 26, 2018 "VIO ISSUED TO ELEVATOR - FAIL TO CORRECT DEFECTS ON 2016 CAT 1 INSP/TST"
- Jan 26, 2018 "VIO ISSUED TO ELEVATOR - FAIL TO CORRECT DEFECTS ON 2016 CAT 1 INSP/TST"
- NIA GOURMET DELI CORP
- OM GENERAL CONTRACTORS CORP
- MARWA TIRES SHOP, INC.
- P.S. 030 Hernandez/Hughes
- P.S. 138
- 3 Av-138 St (6)
- 138 St-Grand Concourse (4,5)
- Brook Av (6)
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