New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has released the 2023 Worst Landlord Watchlist, led by repeat offender Daniel Ohebshalom. Amidst the threat of budget cuts that could weaken enforcement, this year’s list points to a persistent problem: landlords with high violation counts that compromise the safety and quality of life for thousands of tenants.
Ohebshalom, notorious for his history of property violations, has outdone himself this year with a staggering record of 3,293 open violations across his real estate holdings. This marks an increase from the previous year (in which he also broke the record) and showcases a troubling pattern of neglect that has become all too common among New York’s rental properties. The conditions tenants face include everything from heat outages to severe infestations, and even structural concerns.
Despite significant wins in litigation against such landlords, including a $4 million fine against Ohebshalom and his company, Keystone Management, the city’s efforts to combat these issues are in jeopardy. Williams warns that proposed budget cuts could severely impact the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the very agency tasked with addressing these violations.
The public spotlight on these violations comes at a critical time, as Mayor Eric Adams faces pressure to cut budgets due to increased spending on migrant care and the loss of federal pandemic aid. The list, which names landlords who together amassed an average of 739 violations each, totaling 73,866 violations, reflects a 7% increase over last year, signifying a worsening situation.
Williams’ call to action is echoed by residents like John Reeds, a long-time tenant who has experienced firsthand the neglect of Ohebshalom’s management. Reeds’ advocacy was instrumental in bringing about the city’s takeover of 410 W. 46th St., highlighting the need for more robust interventions against predatory landlords.
The unveiling of the list also brings attention to legislation awaiting the governor’s signature, which could bring much-needed transparency to property ownership. The Limited Liability Corporation Transparency Act aims to reveal the true owners behind anonymous LLCs, a common tactic that allows negligent landlords to evade accountability.
As the city grapples with a housing emergency exacerbated by exploitative property owners, the spotlight thrown by the Worst Landlord Watchlist is more than an annual shaming—it’s a call for systemic change to protect the rights and homes of New Yorkers.
