NYC Mayor Mamdani Announces Record $2.1M Judgment Against Bronx Landlord

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a first-of-its-kind court judgment Friday against the owner of a dilapidated rent-stabilized building in the South Bronx, imposing the maximum civil penalties under the city’s Nuisance Abatement Law.

The New York State Supreme Court ordered Seth Miller, owner of 919 Prospect Avenue and a repeat offender on the Public Advocate’s Worst Landlords Watchlist, to fix the building’s most severe violations within two weeks and all others within one month. The ruling also slaps Miller with a retroactive $2.174 million penalty — $1,000 per day for each day open violations created a public nuisance.

Violations at the six-story building include a deteriorated facade, unsafe electrical wiring, obstructed fire escapes, a faulty elevator, a broken boiler, peeling lead paint, pest infestations and a partial vacate order. The property is enrolled in the Housing Preservation and Development’s Alternative Enforcement Program.

“This is a victory for tenants enduring neglect that endangers their health,” Mamdani said. “We’ll use every tool to protect New Yorkers from bad landlords.”

Deputy Mayor for Housing Leila Bozorg, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants Director Cea Weaver, Corporation Counsel Steve Banks, Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, HPD Commissioner Dina Levy and Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin echoed the mayor, stressing the city’s commitment to safe housing.

Tenants, represented by TakeRoot Justice since 2016, joined the city’s injunction. “This is progress, but the new administration must keep enforcing housing codes,” said staff attorney Claribel Morales and advocacy coordinator Nova Rivera.

The decision stems from aggressive enforcement by the Law Department, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and city agencies, signaling tougher accountability for negligent owners citywide.