Landlord Fined $11,500 for Illegal Building Alterations

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for converting a two-family residence to include more than the legal number of dwelling units. Landlord claimed that, now that he knew the conversion was illegal, he was getting tenants to vacate. He objected to the daily penalties involved. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $11,500. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord was given sufficient notice that per-day penalties could be imposed. 

DOB v. Gao: ECB App. No. 1900805 (7/11/19) [3-pg. doc.]