Landlord Fined for Doing Plumbing and Electrical Work Without Permit

DOB issued two violation notices to landlord, citing work without a permit in a building apartment. At a hearing, DOB's inspector testified and presented photographs showing that plumbing work, including new wastewater lines, shower body overhead piping, water feeds, and drains for tub, toilet, and sink, were installed. There were also newly installed electrical devices in the apartment. Landlord argued that only ordinary repairs that didn't require a permit were underway. He also claimed that no new electrical outlets were installed. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $3,200. Landlord appealed and lost. DOB established its case at the hearing, and the ALJ properly rejected landlord's claim that the work being done consisted only of removing tiles, replacing an existing shower head and disconnecting fixtures, outlets, and switches. Landlord also didn't prove that any conditions were pre-existing.

Booth 21 LLC: ECB App. No. 1701309 (2/15/18) [4-pg. doc.]