NYC is cracking down on illegal apartments.
The Department of Buildings (DOB) conducted an undercover investigation of apartments advertised on Craigslist. Illegal conditions were found in 54 of the 62 apartments inspected, including 33 properties where vacate orders were issued because the conditions posed an immediate threat to public safety.
The DOB issued 104 violations to property owners who created illegal conditions, including fire safety hazards such as inadequate means of egress and illegal gas, electrical and plumbing work.
“An illegal apartment might save you a few dollars – but it may end up costing you your life,” said Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri.
In November 2009, three men died in a fire in an illegal cellar apartment in Woodside. In 2005, a fire in an illegally converted home in Elmhurst killed three children and an 80-year-old man.
“I think it would be wise for renters not to consider renting basement apartments. Most have only one exit point with windows too small and high to be a way out in case of fire. Basements are often the primary starting point for fires and serious flood damage in storms or broken plumbing or water heaters,” said Joe Amoroso, KPCA Zoning Chair.
“Property owners who create illegal apartments must understand they are putting people’s lives at risk, including tenants, neighbors and first responders. Our new enforcement and education efforts are designed to raise awareness about this important issue and send a strong message that endangering the safety of New Yorkers will not be tolerated,” LiMandri said.
New Yorkers should look out for the following indicators that an apartment may be illegally converted:
? Units that advertise suspiciously low rent prices.
? “Basement” or “attic” apartments that may lack adequate exits.
? Apartments that have rooms without windows or very small windows, often found in illegal cellar or basement apartments or advertised as “sunny.”
? “Flex” apartments that can be converted into a multi-bedroom unit. The installation and/or construction of a wall without the proper permits are illegal.
? “Utilities included.” A landlord may not want utilities under another name because those residents would violate the legal occupancy of the building.
? Apartments with odd layouts, often described as “unique” or “interesting.”
? Landlords who refuse to disclose the exact address. When advertising illegal apartments, they may ask to meet a potential renter first.
? Apartments where you can’t have mail delivered. Landlords of illegal apartments will often request that tenants obtain a separate P.O. Box.
? Landlords who decline to draw up a lease, request a month-to-month agreement or require cash payments.
? Check for locked doors in the unit. All available exits must be accessible.
For more information on the dangers of illegal conversions, or to verify permit and occupancy information for a unit, visit www.nyc.gov/buildings.
