New Haven, Conn. – Jianchao Xu, a landlord with a portfolio of rental properties in the city, completed the sale of a 25‑unit apartment building at 43 Division Street for $4.3 million on Aug. 24. The transaction, recorded in the city’s land records, represents Xu’s 12th property sale in 2026 and his fourth in the past month.
Background on city actions
Earlier this year, New Haven’s code‑enforcement agencies moved against Xu after inspections uncovered improper wiring, blocked exits, mouse infestations, and sewage leaks at several of his buildings. The city also cited a history of 18 fires across his 20 properties over the past decade. In response, the city revoked Xu’s local rental licenses and he faced criminal housing court for violating state building codes following two fires at an Avon Street apartment.
Details of the recent sale
According to the warranty deed, Xu’s entity 219 Fountain Street LLP sold the Division Street property to 370 Mansfield LLC, a Staten Island, N.Y. holding company controlled by Yehuda Leitner and Yehida Rothman. The city’s most recent tax appraisal listed the building’s value at $2,111,900, indicating a significant premium paid by the buyer.
Impact on Xu’s holdings
City land‑record data show that Xu’s companies have sold 12 properties containing 67 apartments for more than $10.7 million in the first eight months of 2026. The rapid divestiture has halved Xu’s local property holdings so far this year.
Remaining properties and landlord’s response
Despite the sales, Xu’s companies continue to own several apartment buildings in New Haven. When contacted, Xu did not respond to a request for comment. Livable City Initiative executive director Liam Brennan noted that Xu informed the organization of his intent to sell and cooperated with city inspections, describing his response as non‑combative.
Community context
The series of sales and the city’s enforcement actions highlight ongoing concerns about housing safety and code compliance in New Haven. Residents and local advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation as former Xu‑owned units transition to new owners.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
