Landlord Fined $10,000 for Adding SRO Units to One-Family House

DOB issued 11 violation notices to landlord for altering a residence as a dwelling for more than the legally approved number of families, as well as for failure to comply with an ECB order. DOB's inspector found that the one-family dwelling had been converted to a four-family dwelling by the creation of SRO units in the attic and on the second floor. Each SRO had a key-locking device, sleeping quarters, personal items, and a cooking device. DOB later found that landlord had failed to comply or file a certificate of correction. Landlord claimed that she had gotten the illegal tenants to vacate. But inspection had shown there were three SROs at the building.

The ALJ ruled against landlord, who appealed and won in part. Landlord showed that the violations weren't repeat charges but that this was the first time she was charged with creating three unauthorized dwelling units in the residence. So three of the original violations were dismissed. But landlord was still fined $10,000 for the eight remaining violations.

DOB v. Banks: ECB App. No. 1900967 (8/8/19) [4-pg. doc.]