The City of Rochester has taken legal action against a landlord accused of neglecting dangerous housing conditions at multiple properties. Tal Levi, a real estate investor from Harrington Park, New Jersey, and his five affiliated companies are being sued for allegedly ignoring hundreds of serious code violations at 13 properties within the city. Officials claim the violations have gone unaddressed for a significant period, posing risks to public safety.

Landlord Facing Deadline to Respond

Levi has until June 14 to formally respond to the lawsuit filed in late April. According to the City of Rochester, all 13 properties in question have a minimum of 15 code violations each. Collectively, there are 536 active code violations across the properties.

Hundreds of Violations Documented

Out of the 536 violations, the city classifies 214 as directly impacting the health and safety of tenants. Additionally, 125 are considered immediate hazards. These include structural issues like broken railings, rotted floors, sagging porches, and shattered windows, all visible from the outside during News10NBC’s inspection.

City Claims Pattern of Neglect

Michael Furlano, the city’s housing attorney, stated that this case represents a pattern of behavior where properties are acquired and then neglected. “These are unabated code violations,” Furlano said. “There is a consistent pattern of keeping these properties in unsafe and hazardous condition.”

No Valid Certificates of Occupancy

None of the 13 properties currently hold a valid certificate of occupancy, a legal requirement that confirms a property meets safety standards. The lack of certification underscores the city’s claim that Levi is operating rental units without complying with basic safety regulations.

Potential Fines and Court-Appointed Receiver

The city is requesting a court order to impose fines of up to $500 per day, per violation. In addition, it seeks the appointment of a receiver, an independent party that would take control of the properties, collect rent, and oversee the necessary repairs if Levi continues to avoid compliance.

Previous Legal Actions Against Landlord

This is not the first time Rochester has pursued legal action against Levi. In 2023, the city initiated demolition hearings for three of its properties, citing their danger to public safety. These properties were deemed an “escalated danger to the community.” In response to the lawsuit, Tal Levi has denied the majority of the city’s claims. He refuted allegations of intentional neglect, indifference, and refusal to correct violations. Levi also disputed the city’s assessment that the properties are hazardous.

City Views Lawsuit as Last Resort

According to Furlano, the city prefers compliance and repair over litigation. However, due to what it sees as ongoing noncompliance, the city turned to the courts. “We’d rather the money go toward fixing these properties,” said Furlano. “But at some point, fines and judgments become necessary to send the message that this type of landlord behavior is unacceptable.”