Landlord Made False Statements to Obtain DOB Permits

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to refuse to renew leases and to evict rent-stabilized tenants because it intended to demolish a building. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that it had approval from DOB to demolish the building. But landlord's initial application to DOB falsely stated that there would be no apartments in the building occupied during construction and that the building didn't contain any apartments subject to rent regulation. DOB also had issued several immediately hazardous violations against the building for landlord's failure to safeguard tenants during construction work that already had taken place, for failing to properly maintain the safety and cleanliness of the building, and for other reasons. DOB also had revoked the demolition work permit. Therefore, the DRA correctly denied landlord's demolition application. Landlord's approval from DOB to begin construction was based on false representations that the building would be empty during construction. Landlord created dangerous conditions during construction leading to a vacate order.

632 Sterling LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. GM210016RO, GM210001RO (6/13/18) [7-pg. doc.]