A Queens councilmember known for confronting rule-breaking renters in her district has spent years barring inspectors from entering her own Whitestone home amid dozens of complaints that she’s illegally renting to tenants, a Gothamist investigation found.
New York City building officials say they have received at least 24 complaints about illegal apartment conversions and tenants renting out space in the attic, basement and other floors of the stately home owned by Councilmember Vickie Paladino and her husband since 2005.
The Department of Buildings’ reports show inspectors have never managed to investigate the claims because occupants either prohibited them from entering, or because no one was home — including during an attempted visit Monday.
Such rentals could violate rules limiting the number of households allowed on the plot of land, but also call into question what city lawmakers are required to divulge in their annual financial disclosures. Paladino’s son and spokesperson said the family is renting out the second-floor of the home to three tenants, but the councilmember has not claimed rental income in her mandatory filings because the property is listed under her husband’s name.
Paladino, a controversial Republican booted from a City Council committee for anti-LGBTQ remarks, is running for reelection on a law-and-order platform, calling for stricter policing and support for landlords in an overwhelmingly Democratic city.
Voting records indicate at least four non-family members have lived at Paladino’s Whitestone address in recent years — including two registered Democrats and an employee.
Paladino Jr. blamed the DOB complaints on a “disgruntled neighbor” who has feuded with the family for years.
“Any complaints have been frivolous,” he said.
But the claims keep coming.
Anyone home?
The most recent complaint was filed in June, when a 311 caller said the home was being used as an “illegal hotel.” The DOB referred the complaint to the…
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