Landlord Fined $2,500 for Peeling Paint and Plaster

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for failure to maintain building walls and appurtenances. DOB's inspector found peeling paint and plaster at the building entrance and entrance staircase. Large pieces of paint and plaster had fallen from the facade. The ALJ fined landlord $2,500 for a Class I immediately hazardous violation. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord appealed, claiming that the violation wasn't immediately hazardous. Landlord argued that the peeling paint and plaster harmed no one, and mostly fell on the shed in her yard. But DOB's inspector stated that the paint and plaster had fallen over the building's front entrance where people would enter under perilous circumstances. At any rate, there was risk to pedestrians from falling debris.

DOB v. Wren: ECB App. No. 2000474 (7/16/20) [2-pg. doc.]