Landlord Illegally Altered Two-Family House

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for unauthorized alteration of a two-family dwelling into four units, and failed to provide a second means of egress. The notice cited two basement apartments, one on the first floor, and one on the second floor. Landlord claimed that her tenants had illegally sublet the cellar, but this was no defense. With per-day penalties, the ALJ fined landlord $48,600. Landlord appealed and lost. Evidence showed that the cellar was illegally converted, and the maximum 45-day penalty was properly imposed.

Modiano Realty Inc.: ECB App. No. 1100302 (6/23/11) [3-pg. doc.]