Landlord Fined over $50,000 for Illegal Conversion of Two-Family House

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for illegally altering a two-family house into four family units. DOB's inspector found one class "A" apartment at the cellar, first-, second-, and third-floor levels. A garage on the first floor had been converted into a bedroom. Landlord also paved over the front and side yards to use for parking. Landlord claimed that the alterations predated its ownership of the building. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $51,750, including per-day penalties. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord's pre-existing condition defense didn't apply to the violations in question. 

Salim: ECB App. No. 1900032 (4/4/19) [7-pg. doc.]