Landlord Responsible for Tenant's Failure to Comply with Stop-Work Order

DOB issued two violation notices to landlord, one for working in an apartment with an expired permit and the other for failing to comply with a stop-work order. Landlord argued that one of its tenants was doing the work in the apartment, and that it hadn't authorized tenant's application for the work permit or approved the full scope of work being done by tenant. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined it $2,000. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord's lack of knowledge or authorization of tenant's work wasn't a defense to the violations. Landlord, as owner of the building, was responsible for the safe maintenance of the building and was responsible for the violations.

16 E. 96th Apt. Corp.: ECB App. Nos. 46187, 46189 (10/25/07) [3-pg. doc.]