HPD Won’t Clear Violation

Has anyone dealt with the HPD on a housing violation and gotten it cleared?

My mother inherited violations on a home she purchased many years ago for an apartment that was not sanctioned by the city. She recently put the home on the market and found a buyer but could not close due to the open violations so she removed the bathroom and kitchen along with the plumbing..

On a second inspection, a supervisor for HPD said that the walls that formed the rooms needed to be removed also. She removed the walls at a considerable expense, and HPD came out for a third inspection. We just received a note from HPD stating that she was still not in compliance and they did not specify what additional needs to be done.

Each time HPD visits to inspect, we have to pay them $250. Calls and emails sent to HPD requesting clarity are never returned. We are able to speak to the assigned “HPD liaison’” once per week by phone if we make an appointment, but the liaison is rude and combative every time and cannot shed any light on what the issues may still be. My mother moved out of the home so is now paying for an empty house. The buyer walked away because this is taking too long. She is selling the home because she had a stroke and cannot live on her own, nor can she afford to keep the home. I have not told her that the HPD is still keeping the violations open because I don’t want her to have another stroke. Should we get a lawyer?

welcome

in General Discussion 1 year and 8 months ago

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cate | 1 year and 8 months ago

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There are firms in Brooklyn that exist to remove violations and reduce fines for said violations. They represent the owner in hearings. We had great success with one, and paid only $300 to remove the violation and dismiss the $15,500 fine. But because I work for Brownstoner I cannot recommend specific firms. If you search this forum for “violation removal” you may find some names and recommendations. Good luck.

igorbalmeida | 1 year and 8 months ago

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So this may not help. I know one way people got around in the past was making dob approved plans for a play room. That way you could keep the two piece bathroom and some walls. Not sure if that is a direction you could look into