Landlord Fined Over $27,000 for Illegal Alterations

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for illegally altering a two-family building. DOB's inspector stated that the cellar and first floor were converted into two class "A" apartments. Landlord argued that daily penalties shouldn't be imposed, because he didn't realize they existed. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $27,400. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord received notice from DOB of the $1,000 daily penalties and admitted at a hearing held 14 months after the violation notice that he still hadn't gotten the required permit to correct the violation.

Kazlow: ECB App. No. 1000592 (1/20/11) [3-pg. doc.]