What's Wrong With This Picture?

[James Free]

General Scenario: 

1. Tenant stops paying rent (during eviction moratorium)

2. Tenant damages property

3. Tenant reports damage to city's Neighborhood Services Department; complains that owner needs to fix it

4. Tenant won't allow repair people into the unit

5. City fines landlord for not fixing damage reported in #3

Why is it so easy/normal to get fined for tenant-caused issues? What recourse does a landlord have here? Is there a general process for appealing the fine that doesn't involve more legal fees than benefits?

[Nathan Gesner]

I would contact the City and ask what for the process of appeal. There has to be a way you can contest this.

By the way, the law requires you to give notice before entering to inspect, repair, etc. It does not require you to get permission. If the tenant refuses entry, go in with a key or serve them with an eviction.

Bottom line: you need an attorney to help you get this character out, then you need a Property Manager to help keep you out of trouble.