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?