NYC Housing Agency Violates Own Rules, Judge Finds Agency in Contempt
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has been found in contempt of court for failing to repair a city-owned apartment in Brooklyn, according to a recent court ruling. The agency, responsible for enforcing the city's housing maintenance code, showed disregard for four judicial orders demanding repairs to the apartment leased by Julian Butler, a single father. The apartment lacked electricity, had broken windows, and an unusable bathroom, among other issues. Butler, who lost his previous home in a fire, was forced to sign a lease without seeing the apartment first, under threat of losing his subsidized housing. Despite multiple court orders, the agency failed to make necessary repairs, prompting Butler to take legal action. 
