Bridgeport Boro Inspector Fined me $400

[Steve Francis]

Hello,

So the borough inspector issued a citation for close to $400 for means of egress being blocked. There was a mattress blocking the door. I told the tenant to move it which she eventually did but they still issued a citation. I'm a new landlord so this all new to me. I'm not sure if the inspector is on a power trip or just has it out for me. My tenant is also on disability so she needed help moving the mattress. I pleaded not guilty and will show up in court. Can anyone offer any advice in general or legal advice? Or has anyone ever dealt with a situation like this? I also informed the inspector he could go right to the tenant. How can I get him off my back? Thank you!

[Deanna McCormick]

If you know when your being inspected take the precaution and do a inspection yourself with notice at least a week prior to them coming out. You'll have time to make corrections and be prepared. Notify tenant of both inspections and you won't be dealing with surprises. 

Inspectors are doing their job and they are around for usually many years, your more than likely to have the same person year after year look at your property so understand it's in your best interest to have your property in the best state of condition for that inspection. I even give my tenants a list of what's needed  to be done, trash out, oven cleaned, bath tub and toilets cleaned, light bulbs working. And I've also provided oven cleaner if needed. 

The mattress should have been removed and you should have done it, if you knew about it prior to inspection.

As for court you can explain but in the end you are responsible, be humble and hopefully your fine will be dismissed. Not sure if you could charge the tenant for non-compliance for not moving the mattress unless you gave her written instructions that it had to be removed by .... date. 

Honestly a hazard like that shouldn't have even been left in place for 5 minutes, I would have moved it myself immediately. Safety First