Landlord Fined $49,000 for Converting Two-Family House to Four Apartments

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord based on altering a building to create more than the legally approved number of apartments. Landlord had converted a two-family home to a four-family. A second violation was issued for doing work without a permit. Landlord claimed only that the notices were served improperly. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $49,000, which included daily penalties. Landlord appealed and lost. DOB showed that after attempting personal delivery of the violation notices by ringing doorbells at the building, the notices were affixed to the front door. Landlord didn't dispute that he converted the building from two to four units, and installed partitions, water and waste lines, and gas lines without obtaining a permit. There also was no proof that the violations were corrected.

Eng: ECB App. No. 1700650 (8/3/17) [3-pg. doc.]