Landlord Didn't Fix Holes Where Mice Were Found

DOHMH issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to keep tenant’s apartment free of pests and conditions conducive to pests. Inspection showed that there were mouse droppings on top of and behind the kitchen stove in tenant’s apartment. There also were holes around pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Landlord claimed that an exterminator visited the building every two to three months or upon request. Landlord said he didn’t fix the holes because tenant stopped paying rent. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $600. Landlord appealed and lost. Starting an eviction proceeding was no excuse to not make repairs. Landlord showed no legal or physical reason why the holes around the pipes couldn’t be fixed.

Islam: ECB App. No. 1601155 (12/15/6) [3-pg. doc.]