Landlord Fined $47,400 for Illegally Altering Two-Family Dwelling

DOB issued two violation notices to landlord for illegally altering a two-family dwelling into a four-family. At a hearing, DOB’s inspector testified that an SRO unit was added on the first floor and that the second floor had been divided into two apartments. The inspector admitted that he accessed only one apartment on the second floor. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $47,400, which included daily penalties. Landlord appealed and lost. DOB’s evidence was sufficient to prove that the building was converted to a four-family dwelling. DOB’s inspector saw two of the units, and it was clear how he surmised that there were two other units. The inspector saw a kitchen at the front of the second floor, and landlord had submitted plans showing a kitchen at the back of the second floor. Landlord also showed nothing to refute the discovery of the SRO unit on the first floor.

Ni: ECB App. No. 1600631 (7/28/16) [3-pg. doc.]