Landlord Fined for Illegal Attic Renovations

DOB issued two violation notices to landlord. One was for occupancy contrary to the building's Certificate of Occupancy, the other was for work without a permit. DOB's inspector saw an illegal attic level with sleeping quarters, and a bathroom had been installed in a one-family house above the first floor. Landlord testified that the building was in the same condition as when he bought it in 1992. But occupancy of the attic or top floor was prohibited under the Building Code, and the ALJ fined landlord $3,200. Landlord appealed and won, in part. The fine was reduced to $2,400 based on the pre-existing condition.

Cass: ECB App. No. 1300831 (12/19/13) [4-pg. doc.]