Syracuse Landlord Being Sued By State, County and Syracuse For Lead Issues

Syracuse, N.Y. - A Syracuse Landlord is being sued by the State, County and City for lead safety violations.

In the lawsuit, Todd Hobbs of Van Buren, owner of TLH Holdings, is accused of 413 violations at 19 different properties he owns.

The lawsuit says his negligence regarding lead safety resulted in the poisoning of 11 children.

The lawsuit seeks repayment of all "ill-gotten profits", such as rent payments received, and penalties of up to $5,000 for every false, misleading, or non-existent lead disclosure Hobbs provided to tenants over the years.

Attorney General James is also seeking thousands of dollars in restitution for the families of every child poisoned by lead while living at a Hobbs property.

Hobbs must also do the following:

• Immediately correct all existing lead paint-related violations cited by the City or County that are past their respective deadlines;
• Require a lead-based paint risk assessment at each of Hobbs’ residences through a third-party Environmental Protection Agency certified risk assessor approved by OAG; 
• Create a Lead Safe Work Plan for removing and/or remediating all conditions conducive to lead poisoning following the inspection;
• Promptly make any renovations necessary using EPA certified lead-based paint professionals and properly trained and certified workers; and
• Hire an independent monitor to supervise and report to OAG on the defendants’ compliance.