Residents of two buildings owned by Daniel Ohebshalom, located at 705 and 709 170th Street, Washington Heights, have been enduring appalling living conditions. A plethora of issues, including giant cracks in walls, sewage leaks, and rampant trash accumulation, has prompted the issuance of an arrest warrant for the landlord.
City’s Pursuit of Justice
Despite years of complaints and efforts by city officials to compel Ohebshalom to address the violations, the situation remained dire. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has branded Ohebshalom as the “worst landlord in New York City” due to over 700 dangerous violations across just two of his properties.
An arrest warrant has been issued, accompanied by fines totaling $3 million and a 60-day jail sentence for Ohebshalom. The severity of the penalties reflects the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of its residents.
Advocacy and Action
Local leaders and officials have expressed vehement condemnation of Ohebshalom’s neglect and have called for swift and decisive action. Assembly Member Tony Simone labeled Ohebshalom as a “criminal” and a “slumlord,” emphasizing the intolerable conditions faced by tenants in his district.
Efforts to hold Ohebshalom accountable extend beyond city limits, with authorities working to extradite him from California where he is currently located. Despite attempts to reach him for comment, Ohebshalom has not responded to inquiries, further underscoring his disregard for the well-being of his tenants and the severity of the situation.