A New York City landlord named the worst in the city by the Public Advocate’s office could now be heading to jail, after allegedly failing to perform hundreds of court-ordered repairs on some Manhattan properties he owns.
In a rare move, following years of trying to levy fines against the landlord of a Washington Heights building and making emergency fixes, the city issued an arrest warrant against a man they say is a slumlord.
In the two buildings along West 170th Street, the city alleges that Daniel Ohebshalom and his company, Belmont Ventures LLC, have racked up 700 serious violations affecting the health and safety of those who live there.
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As a result, Housing Preservations and Development (HPD) commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. stepped up action and issued a warrant.
“We caught up with him. He’s facing $3 million ($A4.5 million) in fines and penalties, and he’s going to jail for 60 days,” Carrion said.
For years, tenant Sonia Peralta and her neighbours have complained about conditions in their apartments.
“We have rats, roaches, no heat or hot water,” she said, adding of the arrest warrant: “We’re going to have a little celebration, we’re so happy that’s happening. It’s about time.”
Another tenant said they would sometimes go two weeks or even a month without hot water, “always during the worst times”.
It’s not the first time the city has taken action over the conditions inside the buildings, including a seven-figure fine issued in 2022.
In January 2023, the HPD made nearly $50,000 ($A75,000) worth of emergency repairs.
Ohebshalom owns several properties across Manhattan, which also regularly appear on the city’s list of worst landlords.
“People are dealing with mould and leaks, pests, rats and roaches, peeling paint, lead paint. Their children are exposed, seniors are exposed. It’s time to stop this nonsense,” Carrion said.
Carrion said Ohebshalom “happens to be out of the state at the moment” but made a promise: “Wherever you are, we’re going to catch up to you.”
“Until we see this (man) behind bars and in handcuffs, we won’t be happy,” tenant Edward Lenis said.
NBC New York reached out to Ohebshalom’s lawyer for comment but he did not return calls.
