Landlord Fined for Openings that Allowed Rats to Enter Building

The DOHMH issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to keep a building free of pests and conditions conducive to pests. The inspector observed inadequate stoppage based on gaps found at cellar windows and in sewer piping. This gave rodents unobstructed entry into the building. Landlord claimed improper delivery of the violation notice. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $300. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord argued that DOHMH sent two duplicate notices for the same condition. But the second notice cited not only the entry point access but rat burrows found outside the building. So the notices weren't duplicates.

Bedford Bergen LLC: ECB App. No. 1401184 (12/18/14) [3-pg. doc.]