Landlord Claims Illegal Basement Apartment Used for Family Members

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for illegal alteration of a one-family residence. Landlord had constructed an apartment in the basement of the house. Landlord claimed that this was for family use and wasn't being rented out. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $2,050. Landlord appealed and lost. It didn't matter who was living in the basement. Landlord had converted the house to a two-unit dwelling by constructing a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. This allowed the basement to be used as a separate dwelling unit.

Owner of 50-02 61st Street: ECB App. No. 36076 (1/18/07) [3-pg. doc.]