City sues landlords Manny Stein, Labe Twerski, alleging housing violations in 16 buildings

The City of New York sued two individuals with significant multifamily portfolios in two separate cases filed last week, alleging each had a large number of health and housing law violations in their holdings. The suits are seeking to compel the owners to make repairs and to impose fines.

These suits are part of a series of lawsuits filed following the 2019 creation of the Office to Protect Tenants. PincusCo reported in September 2021 of the effort’s largest suit filed so far, against landlords Yechiel Weinberger, Eric Miller, and the Parkoff Organization.

In the larger of the two new cases by building count, the city claims nine of Labe Twerski’s buildings have a significant number of health and housing violations. Those buidlings have nearly 700 units. The properties are 1750 Grand Concourse, 85–87 Vermilyea Avenue, 780 Grand Concourse, 1535 Undercliff Avenue, 3065 Grand Concourse, 2985 Botanical Square, 115 East Mosholu Parkway, 3400 Tryon Avenue and 2939 Grand Concourse. According to the complaint, “Defendants, the owners and persons in control of a large residential real-estate portfolio in the City of New York, have failed for years to eliminate rodent infestations at their buildings, amassing 142 violations of the New York City Health Code and endangering the health and safety of the buildings’ residents and the public.” Plaintiff seeks (1) an injunction stopping Defendants’ unlawful behavior, (2) the abatement of the hazardous conditions at the Premises, and (3) civil penalties pursuant to various New York City code provisions, including daily and monthly penalties, for Defendants’ ongoing failure to comply with the law.” LINK

In the smaller group, the city alleges defendant Manny Stein has not complied with city health and housing laws in seven Bronx buildings with a total of 492 units. The buildings include 1930 Grand Concourse and 2647 Sedgwick Avenue. This suit is part of a series of actions by the city with the stated goal of compelling landlords into making repairs in their properties. According to the complaint, “Defendants’ Buildings are Rife with Health Code Violations for Rats and Conditions Conducive to Rats, as well as other violations of the New York City Administrative Code.” “Defendants have failed to correct many of the violations found by the issuing agencies, or have failed to correct the underlying conditions, leading to repeated issuance of violations. For some of these violations, months and even years have elapsed without the Defendants establishing compliance as required.” LINK