New York Mayor Mamdani announced on the 6th that a total of 31 million U.S. dollars in fines has been pursued from the owners of two residential buildings in the Bronx, setting a record for the highest penalty amount ever imposed by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD); a court-appointed independent restructuring supervisor will oversee repair works to ensure living conditions are improved for nearly 500 residents.
The Mayor stated that the buildings involved are Robert Fulton Terrace and Fordham Towers, which have long been plagued by complaints from residents about elevator malfunctions, lack of heating and hot water, infestations of rodents and insects, as well as numerous violations left unaddressed. The two owners have also been named on the “Worst Landlords Watchlist” by the New York City Public Advocate.
In addition to the 31 million U.S. dollars in fines, the freezing of over 900,000 U.S. dollars of the owners’ bank assets has been approved by the court, which will be managed by a Chief Restructuring Officer for necessary building repairs. The related projects will cover nearly 500 apartment units.
HPD Commissioner Levy pointed out that the related litigation was first filed in 2024 and was handled by the HPD Housing Litigation Division’s Anti-Harassment Unit. She stated that this judgment will also aid in subsequent bankruptcy and asset restructuring processes.
Several local council members and tenant advocacy groups have expressed their support for the ruling. Senator Rivera stated that providing safe and habitable housing is the legal responsibility of landlords, while Senator Sepúlveda noted that this case demonstrates the government’s efforts to hold accountable landlords for mismanagement.