Landlord's General Contractor Not Responsible for Hazardous Conditions

DOB issued a violation notice to landlord’s general contractor for failing to safeguard the public and property affected by contractor operations at the building. DOB’s inspector observed multiple cables and extension cords throughout corridors of the building running from unit to unit under construction, creating a hazardous tripping condition for residents and employees. The general contractor argued that electrical work was needed for the interior renovation work of 23 apartments as they became vacant. He claimed that the conditions seen by DOB weren’t caused by his workers. The ALJ ruled against the general contractor and fined him $5,000. The contractor appealed and won. The general contractor for interior renovation of apartment units wasn’t responsible for conditions in the building hallways created by a separate electrical contractor who wasn’t his subcontractor. The general contractor’s workers used batteries to supply power for their work, which was in apartments only.

Elezi: ECB App. No. 1700119 (4/20/17) [3-pg. doc.]