New York City has secured a record $31 million in penalties against the owners of two troubled Bronx apartment complexes, officials announced Wednesday, marking the largest enforcement action ever taken by the city’s housing agency.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy said the penalties target the owners of Robert Fulton Terrace and Fordham Towers, where tenants have long complained of unsafe living conditions.
The court judgments also include the appointment of an independent chief restructuring officer to oversee repairs and the freezing of more than $900,000 in the landlords’ bank accounts. Those funds will be released to support urgent fixes across nearly 500 apartments, city officials said.
Tenants in the buildings have reported years of neglect, including persistent elevator outages, lack of heat and hot water, vermin infestations and hundreds of unresolved housing violations. The landlords, Karan Singh and Rajmattie Persaud, have previously appeared on the city Public Advocate’s “Worst Landlords” list.
“This administration secured the largest penalty in HPD’s history because no landlord is above the law,” Mamdani said, adding that the city will ensure repairs are completed and conditions permanently improved.
The litigation was filed in 2024 by HPD’s Anti-Harassment Unit. Officials said the judgment strengthens the city’s position as foreclosure proceedings move forward. Fannie Mae, which holds the mortgage on the properties, has initiated foreclosure, and the city is urging the agency to work with tenants and officials to identify a responsible long-term owner.
Levy said the ruling represents a turning point for residents who have endured decades of poor management. “Tenants have been subject to years of mistreatment, but that comes to an end today,” she said.
Housing advocates and elected officials welcomed the move, calling it a critical step toward accountability and improved living conditions. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, who has worked with tenants for years, said the penalty sends a clear message that landlords must meet legal obligations to provide safe housing.
Advocates also emphasized the role of tenant organizing in pushing for enforcement. Sandra Lobo, executive director of the nonprofit Our Bronx, said the outcome shows that “when tenants are organized, negligent ownership can be held accountable.”
City officials said the goal is not only to penalize the current owners but also to ensure long-term stability and affordability for residents once new management is in place.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
