Definitions:

Landlord: In the following set of 53 buildings, we have chosen to identify buildings with the same person (Moses Karpen) listed as “Head Officer”, “Owner”, “Agent” or “Site Manager” on property documents. This particular landlord is part of an intricate web of corporations and companies that make up a much bigger property portfolio.

Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD): responsible for developing and preserving New York City’s affordable housing. This department works to ensure quality affordable housing for today and the future. The HPD works to protect tenant rights by preventing harassment, displacement, and ensuring low-income tenants facing legal proceedings in housing court have universal access to legal representation.

HPD Violations: notices of substandard living conditions issued by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). These conditions are defined in the Housing Maintenance Code that your landlord is responsible for adhering to. Violations are issued as Class A, B, and C (A being the least severe, and C being the most severe class). A high number of these violations may indicate a landlord is neglecting or even actively harassing their tenants. View Complete HPD Violation Glossary

Department of Buildings (DOB): Regulates both the construction and real estate in New York City by enforcing building codes and zoning regulations, issuing building permits and responding to structural emergencies. The DOB approves building plans, permits and licenses and completes inspections across the city.

DOB Complaints: Complaints made by tenants addressed to the Department of Buildings (DOB). These are complaints about construction, renovation, and other structural building issues. Aggressive or improper construction can be a signal of tenant harassment and displacement pressure.

DOB Violations: Violations issued to landlords after violating any city building or zoning codes, they can be related to things such as construction, demolition, renovations or structural issues in a building. Can be brought to the DOB’s attention because of DOB complaints made by tenants. Similarly, a high number of DOB violations can indicate a failure to uphold safety standards and potential tenant harassment.

EBC Violations: A specific type of DOB violation. Environmental Control Board (EBC) Violations that can carry monetary penalties issued after a landlord violates a city building or zoning code and the case is brought to the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

Litigations Against Landlord: Records of litigations (legal actions) taken by either the HPD or tenants against a landlord in Housing Court. These cases can result in fines for a landlord or orders to correct wrongs. A history of litigation can indicate harassment or negligence by landlords, poor building conditions, and/or a history of tenant organizing.

List of Apartments:

18 Bleecker st. 2 Residential-Unit Building Built in 1920 zoned as R6
This property is NOT Currently validly registered with HPD, it was last registered on August 8, 2019, and expired on October 31, 2020. There are no certificates of occupancy on file with NYC Buildings for this address.

Violations and Complaints:
Open HPD Violations (2 total)
  • 3/16/2022: Owner failed to file a valid registration statement with the department as required by ADM code 27-2097 and is therefore subject to civil penalties, prohibited from certifying violations, and denied the right to recover possessions of premises for nonpayment of rent until a valid registration statement is filed
  • 4/21/2021: Owner failed to file a valid registration statement with the department as required by ADM code 27-2097 and is therefore subject to civil penalties, prohibited from certifying violations, and denied the right to recover possessions of premises for nonpayment of rent until a valid registration statement is filed

    • Connect with your local government:
  • New York City Council District 34
  • Brooklyn Community Board 4


    • 31-33 Troutman st. 9 Residential-Unit Building Built in 2018 zoned as R6
    3 Rent Stabilized Units since 2019

    Violations and Complaints:
    Open HPD Violations 19 Total, View Complete List
  • 6/30/2021: Properly repair with similar material the broken or defective fire retardant material at ceiling or public hall, 1st story (Class C)
  • 6/30/2021: Abate the nuisance consisting of painted sprinkler head at ceiling at public hall, 1st story (Class C)
    • DOB Complaints
  • 7/1/2021: Closed Complaint for Illegal Conversion, status ‘closed’ because inspector was unable to gain access View Details Here
    • DOB Violations 5 since 2009, all since dismissed
    EBC Violations 15 total since 1994
    5 Since last sale (current landlord)
  • Total of $14,405.00 issued in fines, 7,687 of which have been paid
  • 4 for construction, 1 for site safety
  • Landlord found in violation for all 5

    • Connect with your local government:
  • New York City Council District 34
  • Brooklyn Community Board 4