Landlord Fined $70,000 for Illegal Conversion and Short-Term Rentals

DOB issued multiple violation notices to landlord for altering a residence for occupancy by more than the legally authorized number of families, in violation of the building's Certificate of Occupancy, and failing to have code-compliant fire alarm system. The building was a one-family home and DOB received complaints that landlord had divided it up into SRO units and ran it as a hotel. DOB's inspector found a number of rooms with beds and furnishings. DOB also found advertisements on Booking.com. Landlord disputed some of the violations, but the ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $70,000. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that DOB failed to establish that there was SRO occupancy at the building. But the totality of the evidence showed that there was independent living in various rooms of the house. Rooms were set up like hotel rooms, one room was recently occupied and two rooms were "ready for the next guest" when DOB inspected. 

DOB v. Liu: ECB App. No. 2000762 (11/12/20) [8-pg. doc.]