161 W 54 St,Manhattan, NY 10019
54 Units
•Built in 1923
•15 Floors
•Rent Stabilized Units: Yes
Good Cause Eviction: Yes
Evictions: 0
Litigation History: Yes
1 Year Bedbug History: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Building Overview
Building Report
Review Summary for 161 W 54 St
Summarized from anonymous rental reviews on openigloo.
Recent reviews of 161 WEST 54 STREET in Manhattan highlight a once-friendly community disrupted by new landlords forcing out long-term tenants. Significant concerns include pest infestations, unreliable elevators, and misleading advertising of amenities. Construction noise and dust are ongoing issues, with city violations cited. However, some praise the building's community spirit and staff. Improvements in maintenance, pest control, and honesty in leasing practices are recommended. Despite positive aspects like neighborliness and responsiveness, the building's drawbacks currently outweigh its benefits, warranting caution for potential renters.
Open Violations
Only open violations from the last 10 years.
Data last updated 4 days ago.
BUILDING AVERAGE:
0.79 violations per unit
NEW YORK CITY AVERAGE:
0.81 violation per unit
The average number of violations per unit at 161 W 54 St is better than the city.
Non-hazardous
7
class A
i.e. no peephole on a door, or no street # on the building, unlawful keeping of animals
MOST RECENT:
Oct 24, 2024: § 27-2005 hmc: properly repair or replace the broken or defective bell/ buzzer/ intercom system from building front entrance to in the entire apartment located at apt 1501, 15th story, 1st apartment from west at north
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Hazardous
25
class B
i.e. smoke detector issues, inadequate lighting, no lighting for stairways
MOST RECENT:
Nov 26, 2024: § 27-2005, 2006, 2037 hmc: properly repair and abate unsafe electric wiring condition consisting of unsecured electrical wires at fixture at ceiling at public hall, 3rd story, section ''north''
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Immediately hazardous
11
class C
i.e. rodents, pest, mold, inadequate heat or hot water, defective building parts
MOST RECENT:
Feb 24, 2025: § 27-2029 adm code provide an adequate supply of heat for the apartment in the entire apartment located at apt 1501, 15th story, 1st apartment from west at north
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Missing information/filings
0
class I
Missing or non-compliant with administrative information orders or filings
MOST RECENT:
No violation found...
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Property Owners and Associates
T
The Congress LLC
3(4)
Corporate Owner•
2 Properties•149 UnitsLitigation History: Yes
Evictions: 6
P
Park Terrace Owners LLC
3.2(16)
Officer•
48 Properties•1924 UnitsLitigation History: Yes
Evictions: 56
R
Rafael Luque
3(4)
Site Manager•
1 Property•54 UnitsLitigation History: Yes
Evictions: 0
R
Rubin Schron
3.1(17)
Head Officer•
18 Properties•1695 UnitsLitigation History: Yes
Evictions: 63
Frequently Asked Questions
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Building Ratings
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Garbage Management
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Owner Responsiveness
Pest Control
Water Pressure
Renter Recommendations
--% of renters recommend this building
--% of renters approve of this owner
Rents and Deposits
-- of renters received their security deposits back
It HAS NOT been reported if this building accepts electronic rent payments.
Reviews (4)
1.25 stars
42 seconds ago
A formerly historic building in the hands of animals
Former Tenant
Pros:
The people that have lived here for years are incredibly friendly, there has always been a great sense of community. However, that is now threatened seriously by new landlords who are forcing out tenants that have been there for 5, 10, 20+ years. Sean and Cesar the doormen are incredible and is the only staff that remains from the past landlord.
Cons:
Everything else. It is infested with cockaroaches, which used to be managed quite well under the previous landlords but got out of control due to constant construction and lack of upkeep. There are two elevators, both old and unsafe. There was a period of 3 weeks where neither the service elevator nor the regular elevator worked. The building is 13 floors. One night one of the older residents (95 years old) came down to go to the store and by the time he came back both elevators were out of service. I walked this man up 11 flights of stairs at 95 yeras old. Sonny, that is on your conscience. This building was bought by Tran Group, Anh Doh and Son Tran, these two individuals are liars, and falsely advertise amenities that do not exist to new tenants. They have told new tenants there will be a rooftop and a gym on the roof, people signed year leases and are close to having their lease expire without any of the amenities. This building was a pre war building, the second they bought it they tore up full spacious apartments and made them into one bedrooms with little to no room. As a former tenant, I had initially agreed to leave my apartment in 6 months with an extension to our lease. However, Anh Do reached out about 2 months prior to the lease extension expiration and requested we renew. We obliged and asked about the new rate, agreed to it, and in fact had a contract sent over. We were waiting for the landlord to correct the name on the new contract, and instead of sending over a new one, they said 5 DAYS before the contract ended that we would have to be out by the end of the lease or our rent would DOUBLE. Obviously not legal but we did not want to fight. Instead we left without incident because we had the means.
Advice to owner:
Leave this building alone. You are not welcome.
2.75 stars
7 months ago
Nonstop construction noise and dust
Former Tenant
Pros:
There is a great sense of community in the building, and the day-to-day building staff are also super friendly and have been here for years. The pre-war architecture is beautiful, and the original apartment layouts are spacious. The neighborhood can get busy with tourists, but it is the perfect location to access Central Park and most train lines.
Cons:
The landlord is #88 of the 100 worst landlords in NYC according to the public advocate. A lot of the building infrastructure is in need of repair, but the owner has focused renovation efforts on demolishing pre-war apartments and making several smaller units in the same footprint. There is non-stop noise from construction, and the city has issued several violations for improper construction practices, including illegal asbestos removal and high levels of lead dust throughout the building. Both elevators keep breaking down, and water will be randomly turned off throughout the day. The owner has also been refusing to renew leases for current tenants and is generally slow to respond to complaints.
4.5 stars
Over 2 years ago
Gem of a Building
Former Tenant
Pros:
Awesome Super/doorman team. Really responsive to apartment concerns. Great mix of friendly neighbors, and always clean.
Cons:
Someone reported us as an illegal AirBnB because we had family stay over two weekends in a row. There are some nosy neighbors, but they are few and far between.
Advice to owner:
Fix the water pressure on the upper floors. Sometimes it can completely stop mid-shower.
3.5 stars
Over 3 years ago
Nice location but have pest issues
Former Tenant
Pros:
Location, elevator, doorman
Cons:
Cockroaches are quite common not only in apartment but also in the basement where the laundry room is
Advice to owner:
Pest control needs to be improved
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