Landlord Fined $30,400 for Illegal SRO Units

DOB issued violation notices to landlord for altering a single-family dwelling to a four-family, with an SRO unit on the first floor and two SROs on the second floor. Landlord denied the charge, and the ALJ fined him $30,400. Landlord appealed, claiming that the rooms were for family members. ECB ruled against landlord. DOB submitted sufficient proof of the illegal alteration of the building. ECB wouldn't consider landlord's new arguments on appeal. Per diem penalties were properly imposed for 28 days. 

Um: ECB App. No. 1401166 (1/29/15) [1-pg. doc.]