Landlord Illegally Altered Two-Family House

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord for altering a building to permit occupancy by more than the legally approved number of families. DOB claimed that landlord had added an illegal basement apartment to a two-family house, and divided that apartment into four SRO units with a bathroom. Landlord also divided the first-floor apartment into three SRO units. Landlord admitted the conditions existed, but claimed he immediately corrected them after receiving the violation notice. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $27,400. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord’s proof of removal of the SRO units was either not believable or insufficient.

Liu: ECB App. No. 1000097 (5/27/10) [3-pg. doc.]