DOB Complaint of illegal conversion and tenant.

The DOB says a complaint was filed alleging illegal conversion and illegal tenants in our attic and basement. I think they got the wrong address. We don’t have an attic. We have a finished basement but no tenant – ever. It’s just me, my wife and our dog in a two-story rowhouse. I called DOB and scheduled a visit for next week. Should I be worried? What are my rights?

marty362

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 13 years ago

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marty362 | 13 years ago

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Thank you all for your advise and wise counsel. The DOB inspector came on Friday morning and first thing he said was “You don’t have an attic, do you?” (We 2-story rowhouse with a flat-roof).  I then took him to the basement which we have set up as a 20′ x 20′ family room. He had me open the all the interior doors (utility /laundry room, half-bath, and store room) and then he agreed that my basement was only a “place to hang out.” He said the complaint will be dismissed. Whew!

bobjohn | 13 years ago

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Are you sure that the finished basement is legal? Just be careful because once you let the inspector in, he can write ticket for anything she finds.

greenmountain | 13 years ago

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Read the part of the building code you are accused of violating.  Prepare copies, in case a hearing is scheduled.  Also find and copy the definitions of any relevent terms like “attic” and “basement” in the building code.    You can find it on line or in the Brooklyn Business Library.

armchairwarrior | 13 years ago

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i hate dealing with dob, One of my racist neighbors used to do this all the time, he’ll call on them on us. I wouldn’t bother with even scheduling till they send like alot of letters than i schedule a day, annoying as hell. but we can’t do jack squat about it. and i know which old bitter guy who doesn’t want asians in his neighborhood.   I thought about playing his game but didn’t want to escalate it.

mike-the-expeditor | 13 years ago

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Assuming there isn’t an illegal apartment in your basement or non-existent attic you should be fine.  Unless there is something else that is glaringly illegal (like an exposed boiler in your kitchen) you don’t have anything to worry about.  It’s probably a DOB mixup or an angry irrational neighbor.