Landlord Fined for Tenant Installation Performed While Stop-Work Order in Effect

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for performing work while a stop-work order (SWO) was in effect. DOB's inspector saw workers entering the building with trash bags, and saw a ladder, lumber, electric wires, and other items on the hallway floor inside the front door of the building. The workers refused access when he knocked on the door. A separate SWO was posted on a door at the building. Landlord argued that a first-floor tenant was installing kitchen cabinets and shelving in her apartment without landlord's authorization or knowledge, although her lease permitted cosmetic work without landlord's consent. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $4,800. Landlord appealed and lost. Admin. Code Section 28-207.2.2 prohibits all work at a building that is under a full SWO. It didn't matter whether the violating work was unrelated to the SWO, was minor, or by itself didn't require a permit. [Download PDF of decision here.]

Onefater: ECB App. No. 1700865 (10/19/17) [5-pg. doc.]