Landlord Claims Problems with Contractors Caused Delay

The Fire Department issued a violation notice to landlord for not obtaining a certificate of approval for the installation of a boiler. Landlord claimed that he had problems with contractors he had retained to perform the necessary work. Landlord finally obtained the required certificate of approval just two days prior to the first hearing date. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $400. The Fire Department had pointed out that this was a repeat violation. Landlord appealed and the ECB ruled against landlord. Even if landlord intended to correct the violation on time, he hadn't done so for almost two and a half years since the first violation notice for the same condition. Landlord's problems with contractors were no defense against the violation.

City of New York v. Salim: ECB App. No.19144 (9/29/94) [2-page document]