Arrest Warrant Issued for NYC’s “Worst Landlord”

PRESS RELEASE from the NYC Housing:

‘The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) secured a warrant of arrest and commitment to civil jail for one of New York City’s most notoriously bad landlords, Daniel Ohebshalom, holding him accountable for dangerous conditions at two Washington Heights buildings. The arrest warrant was issued after Ohebshalom was held in civil contempt by the Court in January of 2023. For over a year, he continued to defy court orders. New York City did not back down during that time. The warrant orders Ohebshalom to be detained in civil jail for up to 60 days unless and until he complies with the Court’s Order to address the serious conditions and correct almost 700 violations at 705 and 709 170th Street in Manhattan. Today’s announcement comes while the agency continues to pursue actions against Ohebshalom for negligent conditions in numerous other buildings.

Ohebshalom and his buildings have repeatedly appeared on lists of the worst landlords in New York City. The violations cited in the arrest warrant are extensive and include serious, immediately hazardous conditions that threaten not only the residents’ quality of life but their health and safety. Conditions include visible peeling lead paint, roach and mice infestations, inadequate electricity supply, and mold.

“I want to be crystal clear, if you create unsafe, unhealthy, and unlivable conditions, we will hold you accountable. Let this be a message to all landlords that HPD will make certain the law is enforced to protect every New Yorker from dangerous housing conditions,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “We will use every resource available to ensure every New Yorker understands that they have a right to live in a safe and healthy home, and we’ve got their back.”’