What do tenants say about Michael Besen?

Michael Besen has an average tenant rating of 2.2 out of 5 across 6 reviews.

How many violations does Michael Besen have across their portfolio?

Buildings managed by Michael Besen average 0.48 open violations per unit, fewer than the citywide average of 0.81.

Would renters recommend buildings managed by Michael Besen?

17% of tenants who reviewed buildings managed by Michael Besen would recommend living there.

Has Michael Besen had any evictions?

Michael Besen has no recorded evictions across their portfolio.

Is Michael Besen on the worst landlords list?

Michael Besen has not appeared on the NYC worst landlords list.

Is Michael Besen responsive to tenants?

17% of tenants who reviewed a building managed by Michael Besen approve of how it is run.

Has Michael Besen had any litigation cases?

Michael Besen has 15 housing court litigation cases across their portfolio.

How many buildings does Michael Besen own or manage?

Michael Besen owns or manages 3 buildings totalling 58 units.

Michael Besen

Head Officer·3 buildings·58 units

2.2

6 reviews

Highlights

Evictions

Litigation cases

About Michael Besen

Michael Besen is a mixed-profile head officer. Across their buildings, tenants rate them 2.2/5 across 6 reviews, with 17% recommending their buildings and 17% approving of them as an owner or associate. Their portfolio records 0 evictions, 28 open violations, and 15 litigation cases. Data last updated August 19, 2026. Across Chelsea and Nolita in Manhattan, Michael Besen is a Head Officer associated with 3 buildings and 58 units. The portfolio spans multiple neighborhoods across Manhattan. The buildings were constructed primarily in the 1900s to 1910s and are mostly mid-rise. All of the associated buildings have rent-stabilized apartments.

Renter recommendations

Renters recommend associated buildings

Renters approve of this owner or associate

Review summary

Summarized from anonymous rental reviews on Openigloo.

Tenant reviews for buildings managed by Michael Besen reveal a mixed management experience. While some properties boast prime locations, comfortable apartments, and friendly neighbors, consistent issues permeate several buildings, notably poor building cleanliness, inadequate garbage management, and recurring pest problems such as rats and mice. Many tenants report unreliable heating and water services, along with noisy conditions in certain buildings. A prominent complaint involves poor communication and slow responsiveness from management, contributing to tenant dissatisfaction. Additionally, some buildings have faced violations and neglect in maintenance. Prospective renters should be cautious and prepared for management challenges despite advantageous locations.

Reviews

Former tenant·9 minutes ago

Very nice building

Pros

Prime location, beautiful building, apartment is comfy and nice

Cons

You have to go outside to do laundry, but at least we have laundry

Former tenant·Over 1 year ago

Shittiest Landlord in NYC

Pros

Location, some friendly neighbors

Cons

No response from management, rats, waterbugs, poor sound insulation, underpaid superintendent, entrance light has been out 1 month, incorrect rent bill amounts for multiple tenants, incredibly gas-lighting & condescending management, multiple HPD violations, previously harassing tenants with construction, previously exposed tenants to lead dust, regular heat drop outs, regular hot water drop outs, very infrequent building cleaning, one of the absolute worst management companies in NYC

Advice to the owners

Learn to work with respect, take care of your building, make repairs, be responsive

Buildings associated with MICHAEL BESEN

Rent-stabilized

49 Prince St

3.0(3)

Nolita

Rent-stabilized

336 West 17 Street

1.8(1)

Chelsea

Rent-stabilized

311 West 21 Street

1.9(2)

Chelsea

Building ratings

Cleanliness

Trash management

Pest control

Water pressure

Heat

Neighbors

Noise levels

Owner responsiveness

Cleanliness

Trash management

Pest control

Water pressure

Heat

Neighbors

Noise levels

Owner responsiveness

Rents and deposits

Renters received their security deposits back

Electronic rent payments

Open violations

From past 10 years · Updated 5 days ago

Average violations per unit for this owner or associate is better than the city average.

Owner average0.48Violations per unit

NYC average0.81Violations per unit

9Class C

Immediately hazardous

Rodents, pest, mold, inadequate heat or hot water, defective building parts

14Class B

Hazardous

Smoke detector issues, inadequate lighting, no lighting for stairways

5Class A

Non-hazardous

No peephole on a door, no street number on the building, unlawful keeping of animals

0Class I

Missing info

Missing or non-compliant with administrative information orders or filings

FAQs

Michael Besen

Head Officer·3 buildings·58 units

2.2

6 reviews