Landlord Must Sweep Outside Vacant Building

DOS issued a violation notice to landlord for having a dirty sidewalk. Landlord claimed that the building superintendent cleaned twice each day and pointed out that the building was vacant and sealed. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $50. Landlord appealed. ECB ruled against landlord. Landlord is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, air shafts, areaways, backyards, courts, and alleys around his building even if the building is vacant and sealed.

Sibersky: ECB App. No. 23457 (1/24/96) [2-page document]