Landlord Fined $48,000 for Unlawful Additions to Two-Family Dwelling

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for performing work in the basement and attic without a permit, and for illegally converting a two-family house to a four-family house by adding apartments to the basement and attic. Landlord claimed that the conversion was done before he bought the building and that he never rented the apartments. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $1,600 for the work without a permit and $2,400 for the illegal conversion. The ALJ also imposed per-day penalties of $1,000 for the maximum 45 days. The total fine was $48,000. Landlord appealed, seeking a reduction in the per-day penalties. ECB ruled against landlord. Landlord acknowledged that the building was a two-family dwelling and the building appraisal report he submitted didn't show that this was a pre-existing condition. The per-day penalty was lawful, and landlord still hadn't corrected the condition.

Ballester: ECB App. No. 1201130 (4/25/13) [3-pg. doc.]