NYC authorities pose as house hunters, find spaces illegally converted into apartments

NYC probe finds dozens of illegal apartments

NEW YORK — New York City investigators posing as apartment hunters have discovered dozens of spaces illegally converted into apartments.

The sting operation was launched last spring to crack down on the practice.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration said undercover investigators wearing hidden cameras found dangerous living conditions. They included untested gas lines and inadequate ways to evacuate in case of fire.

The city searched for apartments online. Of the 62 rental apartments inspected, 54 had illegal living conditions.

Inspectors issued vacate orders to 33 apartments where conditions posed immediate safety threats. The remainder were slapped with fines.

The city said it went undercover because illegal apartments are hard to inspect. Tenants and landlords often deny access.