Landlord Didn't Maintain Three Elevators in 33-Story Building

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for failure to maintain three elevators in landlord's 33-story building where over 1,000 people resided. In one case, the inspector saw an inoperative door-opening device. At other times, DOB listed the violations as aggravated conditions because landlord had a history of noncompliance. Landlord argued that the conditions weren't serious. But the ALJ found that there were immediately hazardous conditions, and landlord's pattern of delays in correcting violations was unreasonable. This affected the health and safety of a significant number of people. The ALJ fined landlord $16,000. Landlord appealed and lost. The aggravated circumstances warranted the penalties imposed.

Tivoli Towers Housing Co. Inc.: ECB App. No. 1000803 (3/24/11) [4-pg. doc.]