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I recently bought a 3-family landmarked brownstone in an historic district of Brooklyn that has some minor HPD violations from the previous owner. I have fixed those violations and would like to bring an inspector into the property to have them cleared. The problem is, of course, that subsequent to receiving the few violations I mentioned, the old owners also built a bathroom and kitchenette illegally on one of the floors (this has not yet ben sited). Furthermore, I’d like to put up some walls in the hallway to seperate the duplex apartment from the rest, and to enclose the bathroom in the hallway on the 3rd floor.

Questions:

When the HPD comes to remove the old violations, will they want to search the rest of my property?

If so, will they cite a bathroom and kitchenette that was installed without a permit or archetectural drawings?

If I build the walls in the hallway, will they make me take them down?

If so, how does the HPD have the right to come into my house and tell me what I can and cannot do? I haven’t touched the exterior of the building, the kitchenette and bathroom are in my owner duplex, and the walls in the hallway won’t block fire exits or egress.

Should I try to cover up the bathroom and kitchenette and wait to put up the walls in the hallway until after the inspection? I am inclined to do this, but am concerned that the HPD will make return inspections. Oh, the old owners also build additional closets in the parlor. Will those be an issue?

What should I do?

Thank you.