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Landlord group urges Babylon to reconsider raising rental-unit fines
Summary
A representative of Rental King LI urged the Town of Babylon to avoid increasing fines for illegal rental units from current levels to a proposed $2,500–$5,000 range, saying the higher penalties would be unfair and that many landlords rent to meet tax and bill obligations.
Justin Galbraith, a representative of Rental King LI in Bay Shore, spoke during the public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 153 (Multiple Dwellings, Article 1: Rental Units) to urge caution on proposed penalties.
"Raising the fine to $2,500 to $5,000 is unfair," Galbraith said, adding that many property owners take steps to rent units to meet tax and bill obligations. He said typical income from a rental in some situations is limited and enforcement penalties that large would be a hardship for small landlords.
Galbraith told the board that people often create rental spaces—"they turn their garage into something"—because they need the extra income. He questioned an attorney's suggestion that landlords make "$4,000 just renting something," saying the work and costs involved mean that amount is not a simple profit figure. He advocated for a lower fine range, saying a $500–$1,000 penalty is more appropriate.
Supervisor Schaffer invited further discussion with staff and the town attorney and indicated the board would pass materials to the town working group for review. No final action on the rental-code amendment occurred at the meeting; the public hearing was closed with the decision reserved for a future board action.
