Ved Parkash, the landlord whose Bronx building burned in a five-alarm fire, had fought the city’s housing agency in court last year to exit a program requiring monitoring for landlords with chronic heat complaints. The Heat Sensors Program requires landlords with the most violations and complaints to install monitors that send temperature data.
Parkash owns 2910 Wallace Avenue, one of 50 buildings in the program, which has been assigned due to multiple heat-related violations. Landlords must notify tenants and give them an opportunity to opt out, as well as report sensor readings to HPD. Failure to comply can result in thousands of dollars in penalties.
Despite installation of sensors, residents reported inconsistent heat and hot water issues, including a tenant who said they didn’t know if their apartment had a heat sensor installed. The fire at 2910 Wallace Avenue happened just five days before a deadline to comply with the program.
Judge Raymond Fernandez ordered Parkash to comply with the Heat Sensors Program, stating that the costs imposed are tied to ensuring tenants receive adequate heat during winter months as a legitimate public safety concern. Critics say more needs to be done to hold worst landlords accountable, including federal legislation requiring installation of heat sensors in buildings receiving federal funds.
Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/01/14/ved-parkash-bronx-fire-hpd-heat-sensors-program