Jersey City man fined for renting single-family house as eight units; building vacated by fire officials

Saturday, March 05, 2011
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A Jersey City man renting a single-family house as eight separate apartments was fined $10,000 yesterday and the Downtown building was ordered vacated by fire officials, officials said.

"There were very serious violations that ultimately could have led to a catastrophe and loss of lives if a fire had taken place," Fire Department Director Armando Roman said of the residence at 38 Center St.

The building is owned by Joseph D'Souza, who was living in the attic and collecting $400 to $600 per room, Roman said, adding that the total monthly rent collected was about $3,750.

The owner was cited for the illegal apartments, Roman said, adding that the residence was in shambles, there were no smoke detectors, there was illegal wiring, and the second floor exit door was nailed shut.

A number of residents were moved to the Holland Motor Lodge at D'Souza's expense, reports said.

The landlord has been ordered to appear before a Jersey City Municipal Court judge on March 31, Jersey City Fire Prevention Inspector Matt Barrett said.