Building Violation Resolution

NY Real Estate Commercial Litigation: Building Code Violations

 

Pen & Paper
Building code violations can pose significant legal and financial risks for commercial property owners, landlords, developers, and tenants across New York. Unresolved violations may delay closings, halt development projects, interfere with financing, or result in fines, liens, and enforcement actions. In a city with some of the most stringent building codes in the country, swift and strategic resolution of violations is essential.

Understanding New York Building Code Violations

Building violations may be issued by various New York City agencies, including the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Fire Department (FDNY), the Environmental Control Board (ECB), and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). These violations can range in severity and may involve complex administrative and legal proceedings.

Common issues involving New York building and zoning codes include:

  • Illegal Alterations: Performing construction work without proper permits or deviating from approved plans and specifications.
  • Unsafe Conditions: Deficiencies related to building façades (Local Law 11), elevators, fire safety systems, or structural integrity.
  • Zoning and Occupancy: Infractions involving non-conforming uses, zoning use groups, and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issues.
  • Maintenance Failures: Failure to maintain building systems or comply with recurring inspection requirements and benchmarking laws.
  • HPD Violations: Issues affecting the residential portions of mixed-use buildings, including heat, hot water, and lead paint requirements.
  • Environmental Hazards: Violations related to asbestos, lead-based paint, or carbon emissions (Local Law 97) compliance.
  • ECB/OATH Proceedings: Defending against summonses, vacating default judgments, and navigating administrative hearings.

Failure to resolve outstanding violations can prevent the issuance of new permits, stop a transaction, or result in costly civil penalties and litigation. In some cases, violations may escalate into emergency repair orders, vacate orders, or foreclosure proceedings for municipal liens.

Contact a NY Real Estate Commercial Litigation Lawyer

At Schwartz, Conroy & Hack, PC, we assist commercial property owners, managers, developers, and tenants in efficiently resolving building violations and related enforcement actions. Our team provides strategic counsel on challenging improper violations, negotiating with city agencies for mitigation, and vacating default judgments or stop-work orders.

We understand that time is often critical. Whether you are preparing for a closing, facing enforcement action, or managing an active development site, our attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal and procedural complexities of building violation resolution in New York.

CONTACT US

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Case Studies

5 star rating.

I'm ready to face whatever comes next.

When I started this process 2 years ago, I could scarcely dream of being where I am today. I can’t overstate how valuable the law office of Schwartz, Conroy...

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5 star rating.

I'm ready to face whatever comes next.

When I started this process 2 years ago, I could scarcely dream of being where I am today. I can’t overstate how valuable the law office of Schwartz, Conroy, and Hack has been in helping me overcome a desperate time in my life.  Michail Hack and Christine Kingsley in particular worked diligently to understand my complex medical situation and then expertly advised me through my claim process. They are caring and dedicated individuals.  I credit their sound guidance for the financial security I have been blessed with after my claim was approved.  I've been able to focus my time and attention on my health and my cherished family.  So far, I’m beating the odds and doing much better than my doctors predicted.  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for everything!  I'm ready to face whatever comes next.

5 star rating.

Professional, Honest, Realistic, Compassionate!

SCH - Sincerity, Compassion, Honesty! Over the past decade plus, (when I retained) starting with the initial phone call, and consultation, not being told they would guarantee a...

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5 star rating.

Professional, Honest, Realistic, Compassionate!

SCH - Sincerity, Compassion, Honesty! Over the past decade plus, (when I retained) starting with the initial phone call, and consultation, not being told they would guarantee a successful outcome but being told they will fight on my behalf to the bitter end, left me feeling confident and comfortable that I had made the right decision. Over the years I've had the pleasure of interacting with many of the staff. To a person, they have all been professional and made me feel like family!!

Professional, Honest, Realistic, Compassionate! The firm is the epitome of those descriptive words.  My initial call to the firm over a decade ago - even prior to speaking to any attorney - was met with the upmost professionalism I have ever experienced dealing with any law firm. After my initial call, waiting for the attorney to return my call, I felt very comfortable retaining this firm. What I wasn't aware of at the time, was how honest they were, and how realistic they were in explaining my case to me. Whether or not, I would lose my case, I felt comfortable as well as knowing in my heart, they would fight to help me better than anyone else I could work with. Over the years, the staff, as a whole and everyone I've conversed with, has shown the utmost professionalism and compassion.

5 star rating.

Always Grateful

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation to other prospective clients of Quadrino Schwartz. I was a practicing General Dentist for 15 years when I began to have trouble with neck and arm ...
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Long-Term Disability Insurance - Dentist - Florida
5 star rating.

Always Grateful

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation to other prospective clients of Quadrino Schwartz. I was a practicing General Dentist for 15 years when I began to have trouble with neck and arm pain. I was soon diagnosed with a Radiculopathy requiring rather invasive surgery. After exploring my surgical options and the risks associated, it was decided that I would take time off work to try to recover . My single doctor very busy practice simply could not stand to be left alone for more than a few weeks and the decision to sell the practice was made. Thinking that my disability policy would cover me during this time, I simply filled out the paperwork and submitted my claim. My insurance carrier did nothing for 6 months when they decided to simply deny my claim despite extensive medical documentation of my injury. I now knew I needed a lawyer to help me. Quadrino Schwartz was hired and Michail Hack took over my case. Despite me living thousands of miles away, from the very beginning his guidance was reassuring and he quickly developed a plan of action. The law firm continued to medically document my case, took over communication with the insurance company and let me concentrate on other things. After many phone conversations and countless letters written by the firm to my insurer, Quadrino Schwartz was able to obtain all of my benefits for me including 2 years of back pay. What I know now is that I should have sought out counsel from the beginning of my claim. I would encourage any dentist to look at their options when it comes to an attorney and ask simply do they have the experience to navigate what is likely the most important case of their lives. Mr. Hack and the firm simply knew exactly how to proceed from the very beginning and did so without hesitation. Hiring Quadrino Schwartz has made a huge difference to myself and my family and I am always grateful for all the hard work they put in for my case.
Long-Term Disability Insurance - Dentist - Florida
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experience and success rate

After 20 years as an ER Doc I developed terrible insomnia and finally got a diagnosis of shift work sleep disorder, a relatively new illness. As there is no test specific to this illness, and given ...
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Long-Term Disability Insurance - Emergency Room Physician
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experience and success rate

After 20 years as an ER Doc I developed terrible insomnia and finally got a diagnosis of shift work sleep disorder, a relatively new illness. As there is no test specific to this illness, and given how new the whole field of sleep medicine was, I knew that filing a disability claim was going to be a challenge and that I would need professional help. I did some research and selected Schwartz Law to help me with the process. This choice was based on their experience and success rate in the area of disability law. I could not be happier with my choice. They helped me with every step of the very complicated process and today I received a settlement check. I can recommend Schwartz Law without reservation.
Long-Term Disability Insurance - Emergency Room Physician
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so very grateful

Thank you all so very much for everything that you’ve done (and continue to do) on my behalf. I selected your firm after my best friend vetted dozens of firms across the country on my behalf....
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Long-Term Disability Insurance Client
5 star rating.

so very grateful

Thank you all so very much for everything that you’ve done (and continue to do) on my behalf. I selected your firm after my best friend vetted dozens of firms across the country on my behalf. It turns out to have been one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. I wasn’t exactly at my best when we got started on my case. But you all proved to be professionals in every sense, producing great results while balancing expertise with patience and compassion. I am so very grateful and would recommend you to anyone without reservation or qualification.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Client
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I will always be grateful

Michail Hack has been a Godsend to me and my family. When I became very sick a well-known insurance carrier denied my disability claim and refused to pay the benefit that I had purchased ...
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Long-Term Disability Insurance Client - Bank Executive
5 star rating.

I will always be grateful

Michail Hack has been a Godsend to me and my family. When I became very sick a well-known insurance carrier denied my disability claim and refused to pay the benefit that I had purchased from my employer. I was unable to defend myself and very distraught after conferring with several law firms that were recommended by friends who were attempting to guide me. I was left without hope. Michail reviewed my situation and took the case. His professional approach and thoroughness resulted in a payment that was due from the start. Michail, his staff and their persistence were refreshing. He is a true professional. I will always be grateful for his efforts and the way he helped my family and me. He continues after 10 years to offer support and advise when needed. Thank you Michail
Long-Term Disability Insurance Client - Bank Executive
5 star rating.

such a relief

Dear Michail: Thank you and your firm so much for adeptly handling my long-term disability claim. Not only were you able to overcome the initial insurance company denial but your work ultimately resulted in the insurance ...
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Long-Term Disability Insurance Client - COO Financial Technology Firm
5 star rating.

such a relief

Dear Michail: Thank you and your firm so much for adeptly handling my long-term disability claim. Not only were you able to overcome the initial insurance company denial but your work ultimately resulted in the insurance company buying out my claim. You and your paralegal, Ginny Wielgus, gathered and organized all of my medical evidence and wrote a beautiful brief to the insurance company where they, to my surprise, actually reversed their claim determination and started paying me. Due to the excruciating pain I live with daily, I could not continue as chief operating officer for the technology company I worked for; nor could I not muster the strength and energy required to fight the insurance company adequately. It was such a relief to have someone like you represent me in this battle.
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5 star rating.

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blessed to have hired them

Thank you for successfully handling a long-term disability lawsuit for me. When I first spoke to Evan Schwartz, my insurance company was suing me for fraud and my current lawyer was telling me to give up my case against the insurance company and walk away from my claim or risk going to jail. But nothing about my case was fraudulent and I was disabled. Mr. Schwartz evaluated my case at no cost to me and told me that walking away would be a big mistake, that accusing me of fraud was nothing more than an insurance company strong-arm tactic, that I was entitled to money from the insurance company and I did not commit any fraud nor did I commit a crime. Mr. Schwartz and the firm agreed to take over my case on a contingency fee basis. Harold Levy, the principal attorney responsible for my case, was smart, aggressive, prompt and kept me in the loop about everything that was going on. Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Levy completely turned my case around and obtained a settlement for me on very favorable terms in a reasonably short amount of time. Mr. Levy and I have remained in contact as friends ever since. I was blessed to have found Quadrino Schwartz and blessed to have hired them to protect and enforce my rights to obtain the money the insurance company never would have paid me without them.. They lived up to their motto: “We make insurance companies keep their promises.”
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As Vice President of a large brokerage firm, I did anticipate having a problem with Hartford Insurance Company and, for that reason, I was advised to apply for long-term disability through a reputable law firm. It was the best advice I could have received and, if not for the efforts of Michail Hack and the firm, I would have had to fight for my rights and benefits all alone against a large insurance company. Thanks to Michail’s efforts I received all the benefits I was entitled to which made my life bearable through a difficult time with my disability. I would advise anyone who feels they need someone to represent them against a major insurance company to use Michail Hack and his firm.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Client - V.P. Brokerage Firm
5 star rating.

strong, experienced, and dedicated

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Long-Term Disability Insurance Client - Law Firm Partner
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strong, experienced, and dedicated

Applying for disability, even when the need has become obvious to both yourself and those around you, is not necessarily an easy decision. In my case it meant having to walk away from a long-term career that I loved, and, as is probably true for most people facing a disability and having to make a disability clam, a very real threat to the financial security of myself and my family had my claim been denied or unduly delayed. As an almost 30-year attorney, with considerable employee benefit law experience, I felt qualified to make and process my own claim. I was wrong. As I quickly discovered, the cruel twist to making a disability claim is that at the very point in time that you need to be at your very strongest, physically, emotionally, and financially, to protect your rights and the financial security of your family, you find yourself at your weakest and most vulnerable. It can be a very lonely and frightening time. The attorneys and staff at the Schwartz Law Firm understood this. Phone calls and emails were responded to in a prompt manner. My attorney was always available, even on short notice, to discuss my concerns. The attorneys and staff at Schwartz Law worked tirelessly with both my employer and medical care providers to both establish and file my claim, and got it approved in a timely manner. Not only the legal advice, but the practical advice I received from Schwartz Law, based on their decades of representing disability clients, proved invaluable. The best advice I could give anyone facing a similar situation is that you do not have to go it alone, nor should you. You need strong, experienced, and dedicated legal counsel to fight for your rights and the financial security of yourself and your family. I found that at the Schwartz Law Firm, and will be forever grateful for their assistance during a very difficult time in my life.
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