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DOB Complaint of illegal conversion and tenant.
3:26 PM 04/20/2012
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?
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Brooklyn, NY
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.
4:09 PM 04/20/2012 | -1 Votes
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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.5:03 PM 04/20/2012 | 0 Votes
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can you get a restraining order if he is racist? maybe he said something around your wife or kids.
12:29 PM 04/21/2012
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Downtown Brooklyn, NY
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.
9:51 AM 04/21/2012 | -1 Votes
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South Slope, NY
Bobjohn is correct... You only have something to lose and nothing to gain from a visit from the DoB in regards to an inspection of this type of complaint. f you don't answer the complaint the DOB will attempt two times to enter your property and then if unsuccessful will write it off.
10:37 PM 04/22/2012
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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!
7:34 PM 04/28/2012 | 2 Votes
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