Landlord Didn't Maintain Exterior Wall

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to maintain an exterior wall of her building in safe condition. DOB's inspector found vertical cracks and stated that the condition was recurring. At a hearing, the inspector showed photographs and two prior violations for the same condition. Landlord claimed that repairs were underway on the date of the most recent violation. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined her $2,500 in aggravated penalties. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord's contractor claimed that its worker started repairs on May 25, 2010. But landlord submitted no statement from anyone with personal knowledge, or no contract, photographs or other proof, that repairs were in progress on the date of the violation.

Nieves: ECB App. No. 1100127 (4/28/11) [3-pg. doc.]