Milrose Consultants: Lack of Building Code Compliance Could Cost Landlords

New York, New York (PRWEB) June 26, 2012

For those who do not work in new building construction, or in architecture, building codes are seldom a topic of serious consideration. Most individuals simply take for granted the fact that buildings codes exist, and that they are generally implemented and well enforced. A recent news report, highlighted by Reuters, suggests that—in addition to potentially jeopardizing the life and safety of the public and occupants—a failure to properly abide by building codes can ultimately prove very costly to landlords. The report has won the attention of many building code experts, including the professionals at New York’s Milrose Consultants.

The story in question, which has won national news attention, involves a Brooklyn woman who has lived in the same loft since 1984, and has not paid rent since 2003. Despite her refusal to pay rent, the woman has not been evicted from the loft—and in fact, legal authorities in the State of New York have ruled that her landlord cannot evict her. The reason for this is simple: The landlord has not brought his building up to compliance with current building codes, giving his tenant every right to withhold her rent until he meets these standards.

This is not just an isolated incident, Reuters reports. In fact, the report notes that this instance “could have a serious negative impact on several landlords,” as there are “about 300 buildings [that] are not up to code. If this is the case, there are thousands of tenants that could potentially withhold rent.”

The report has caught the attention of Milrose Consultants, a company that offers building code and zoning consultation services to clients throughout New York and the surrounding area. Milrose Consultants has responded to the Reuters report with a press statement, emphasizing the fact that building codes are designed for a reason—and ignoring them can prove costly in more ways than one.

“Building codes are designed to protect occupants in buildings designed for specific uses and activities,” reads the Milrose Consultants press statement. “When a building is converted to a different classification—say, from commercial to residential—it is imperative to adhere to applicable codes and ensure safe occupancy. Requirements for residential occupancy, for instance, mandate certain life safety and habitation requirements not applied to commercial buildings. Also, having an accurate certificate of occupancy could mitigate claims of non-compatibility with prospective tenants.

“The recent happenings in New York City now provide an additional, financial incentive for building owners to comply with applicable codes.”

Meanwhile, the Reuters report notes that building code violations are far from uncommon, not just in New York but around the country, and that tenants who are concerned about such violations are advised to consult with a tenant attorney.

ABOUT:
Milrose Consultants is a leader in municipal permit expediting and building code consulting in the regions of New York, New Jersey, Long Island, and Philadelphia. One of the largest municipal expediting firms in the country, the company provides turnkey solutions for all of its clients’ needs. Milrose Consultants’ degree of expertise, as well as their commitment to service, sets the firm apart. The company assists clients in every phase of the permitting and construction process.

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