WARNING #1: DO NOT RENT an attic or basement apartment. Renting an attic or basement apartment is illegal in New York State if there is only one exit. If you live there and it comes to the attention of the landlord and/or housing authorities, you will be required to move out of the apartment immediately.
The fine you received is for Municipal Court violation. Illegal tenancy ordinance for Paterson (Adopted by the City Council of the City of Paterson 8-6-1985 as Ord. No. 85-068. Amendments noted where applicable.] It is not less than $100.00 per day and up to $1,000 per day for each day the tenant remains at the property or a confinement of not more than ninety (90) days in jail, or both.
The tenants are also entitled to relocation fees, should you file eviction proceedings against them, which you are obligated to do to avoid continuing fines by the municipalityUpon a tenant being required to vacate an impermissible rental unit, the landlord of said tenant shall pay to said tenant:
A. All reasonable moving and relocation expenses incurred by said tenant, including a real estate broker's commission incurred in the procuring of a new rental unit.
B. Any security deposit.
C. Any pro rata rent which may be due to the tenant because of the tenant being required to vacate the unit prior to the expiration of the tenancy.