please HELP! DOB inspector stopped by, investigating basement (real estate, apartment)

[im3mins]

dob inspector stoped by, said someone was complained about we’ve “digging up our basement”. since i didn’t let the inspector enter our basement, she gave a “notice to call for inspection”, and then he asked to take a look of the first floor, we let he in, which he took a picture of the corner. then he left.

my question is the complaint wasn’t about the first floor, is it ok to let her check the first floor? should i worry about the picture will effect the inspection?

will the complaint close if we never let the inspector enter the basement? and would it takes months to close the complaint?


please help!

[FireStation46]

What are you hiding? Why not let them back in when they show up again?

[Satyrical]

If you are this worried well, whatever you are doing you should stop and fix it.


But make sure they show some sort of ID before letting them in next time and maybe ask them questions as to what they were looking for etc etc.

[Mr.Retired]

You have the right not to let anyone enter your premises. ( aside from emergency situations )

[BeyondtheWrap]

They are required to make 2 attempts before closing the complaint. They can get an access warrant at that point, but they usually only do that if the conditions are really dangerous or if there is illegal activity.

[LOVEROFNYC]

Tell them to go kick rocks. They can only enter with a warrant unless you voluntarily let them in.

[bluedog2]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheWrap

They are required to make 2 attempts before closing the complaint. They can get an access warrant at that point, but they usually only do that if the conditions are really dangerous or if there is illegal activity.

They obviously suspect illegal activity already. Creating an illegal basement apartment is also dangerous.

[bluedog2]

Originally Posted by im3mins

dob inspector stoped by, said someone was complained about we’ve “digging up our basement”. since i didn’t let the inspector enter our basement, she gave a “notice to call for inspection”, and then he asked to take a look of the first floor, we let he in, which he took a picture of the corner. then he left.

my question is the complaint wasn’t about the first floor, is it ok to let her check the first floor? should i worry about the picture will effect the inspection?

will the complaint close if we never let the inspector enter the basement? and would it takes months to close the complaint?


please help!

What was it with the corner he took a picture of? He must have seen something suspicious.

[bluedog2]

Originally Posted by LOVEROFNYC

Tell them to go kick rocks. They can only enter with a warrant unless you voluntarily let them in.

They love coming back with warrants. It’s a cat and mouse game.

[LOVEROFNYC]

Originally Posted by bluedog2

They love coming back with warrants. It’s a cat and mouse game.

They don't. I know of people whp actually called DOB themselves because tenants had done illegal alterations and the courts were dragging their feet with evicting the tenant. The DOB inspector came two (one 4 times!) and gave up. This was a major safety hazard issue too. I also look at real estate as a hobby. I have seen buildings with multiple complaints and no violations.

People in our neighborhood call Dob all the time about the illegal construction being done by investors, most without proper permits. 8 out of ten times they don't even show up. Their reputation is worse than their actual actions.