Daniel Ohebshaolm, known as the “worst landlord” in New York City, has been indicted for harassing rent regulated tenants in order to force them out of their units so he could sell the buildings at a higher price. Prosecutors have accused Ohebshaolm of neglecting maintenance, withholding heat and hot water, and failing to address building issues in an effort to create unlivable conditions. His goal was to compel longtime tenants to move out and then renovate their vacated apartments into multi-bedroom units for profit. This scheme, known as “engineering vacancies,” was allegedly openly discussed by Ohebshaolm and his business partners.
The latest legal trouble for Ohebshaolm came shortly after he was locked up for hundreds of violations at two of his Manhattan properties. His pattern of alleged tenant abuse, which dates back years, involved creating horrific living conditions to drive tenants out. Ohebshaolm allegedly forged documentation certifying the completion of building maintenance he had not done and put the names of associates’ employees on building documents to hide his ownership and evade addressing building issues. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has charged Ohebshaolm with multiple counts of Harassment of a Rent Regulated Tenant, Offering a False Instrument for Filing, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber condemned Ohebshaolm for creating unlivable and dangerous conditions for his rent-regulated tenants, stating that his neglect was intended to push them out of their homes. Ohebshaolm, a member of a large family of city landlords, has faced legal trouble in the past for numerous violations in his properties. Tenants in his buildings have reported issues such as roaches, rats, black mold, lead paint, electrical problems, and unaddressed leaks leading to holes in walls. One incident even resulted in a damaged ceiling collapsing on a young child, prompting calls for landlords to ensure the safety of their tenants.
The indictment against Ohebshaolm includes charges related to five of his buildings across Manhattan, as well as charges against four companies associated with his dealings. The DA alleged that Ohebshaolm’s actions endangered the welfare of his tenants and violated regulations protecting rent-regulated occupants. The allegations against Ohebshaolm paint a picture of a landlord who prioritized profit over the well-being of his tenants, using tactics such as neglecting maintenance and creating unlivable conditions to drive out long-term residents. The case against Ohebshaolm highlights the importance of holding landlords accountable for maintaining safe and habitable housing for their tenants.
