Can You Go To Prison For Violations As A Landlord In New York?

While acting as a landlord certainly comes with profit potential in New York, it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. Landlords may enjoy a steady supply of almost completely passive income in the form of rental payments, they must also act according to various regulations in New York. In many ways, they are legally responsible for keeping their tenants safe and hygienic. Can you really go to prison for violating landlord regulations in New York?

A Brief Overview of the Possible Crimes Associated with Landlords 

Landlords may face a wide range of criminal charges that are specifically associated with their businesses:

• Civil Rights Act Violations: One of the issues that landlords need to watch out for is a potential violation of the Civil Rights Act. This might involve instances of alleged discrimination, sexual harassment, and much more.
• Building Code Violations: Landlords may face criminal charges for not adhering to certain building or safety violations. It is theoretically possible to go to jail for not installing the right fire safety equipment, for example.
• Fraud: As with all businesses, there is always the potential for fraud among landlords. Landlords may fraudulently obtain money or cause losses for their tenants through lies, deceit, and outright rental scams.
• Manslaughter: If a landlord’s wrongdoing results in a tenant’s death, it is certainly possible for them to face manslaughter or negligent homicide charges. For example, a landlord may install a faulty electrical system that causes a fire or explosion – killing the tenants inside the residence.

Examples of Property Owner Crimes in New York 

On November 13th of 2023, the Justice Department announced that a property owner in Buffalo had been sentenced to eight months of house arrest, five years of probation, and 600 hours of community service. His crime was making a false statement, specifically in regards to the presence of lead-based hazards in several properties that he knowingly sold to multiple buyers in New York.

On November 15th of 2023, it was reported that a landlord in Queens had been charged with murder after killing three of his tenants. The three individuals were all in their 50s, and it seems as though there was some kind of dispute between them and the landlord before the argument got out of hand.

On November 7th of 2023, a landlord faced multiple arson and attempted murder charges after setting fire to one of his own properties. He apparently did this because a number of squatters had stopped paying rent at his property before refusing to leave.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in New York? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in New York, look no further than Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law. We know that landlords may encounter all kinds of legal issues as they attempt to provide valuable services to New Yorkers. With our assistance, these landlords can approach criminal charges with a sense of efficiency and confidence. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective defense strategy.

Sources:

 justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/property-owner-sentenced-lying-about-lead-hazards

nbcnewyork.com/news/local/queens-landlord-faces-murder-charges-after-confessing-to-horrific-triple-slaying-in-likely-dispute-with-tenants-police/4864317/

foxbusiness.com/real-estate/landlord-torches-new-york-home-after-tenants-stop-paying-rent-become-squatters-authorities