Landlord Fined $36,400 for Illegally Adding SROs to Two-Family Dwelling

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for converting a two-family residence to an illegal seven-family residence by adding four SRO units and one Class "A" apartment. DOB's inspector presented photographs and the building's Certificate of Occupancy as proof of the alteration. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $36,400, including per diem penalties. Landlord appealed the per diem penalties and lost. Landlord claimed that it had removed all key-locking devices and furnishings used for SRO units. But landlord couldn't have done so by the date claimed based on the DOB inspection.

DOB v. Cohen: ECB App. No. 1800531 (7/12/18) [3-pg. doc.]