New York Personal Injury Lawyer—Death in Brooklyn House Fire Highlights Dangers of Illegal Conversions

It may seem expensive and unnecessary to worry about legally converting a basement or back room into a separate apartment, but think again. Illegal conversions pose a serious danger to tenants as well as neighbors and first responders. In a recent tragedy, Mohammed Miha, a 43-year-old Brooklyn man, died after firefighters pulled him out of a fire from an illegally converted basement that had no separate exit-an important requirement of legal conversions. This exit would have provided an escape route during the fire, as well as allowing easier access for firefighters to make a rescue. Tragedies such as this occur too frequently in New York City and are often preventable.

Dangers of illegal conversions include:

  • 1. Lack of separate exit
  • 2. Improper windows and ventilations
  • 3. Illegal and unsafe gas, electrical, and plumbing systems.

There is a reason why there are strict regulations for legal conversions, and while they may be costly then can also be life-saving.

"The FDNY knows all to well the pain and danger these illegal conversions can bring, said FDNY Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention Richard Tobin. "We lost an officer and a firefighter in the Bronx who were forced to jump to their death after being trapped in an illegally converted apartment."

If you think you are living in an illegal apartment, it is important to find out and learn your rights.


Some red flags:

  • Is your rent well below the market value of the area?
  • Do rooms have very small or no windows? Is there a separate exit?
  • Are utilities included? Often a landlord of an illegal conversion includes utilities so as not to have another name associated with the apartment.
  • For the same reason, beware of apartments where you can't have mail delivered. Landlords advertising illegal apartments will often request that tenants obtain a separate P.O. Box.
  • Is there a lease? Are you required to pay cash?


If you've been living in an illegal apartment and have been injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our lawyers for a free case evaluation. We'll thoroughly discuss your case, answer all your questions, and tell you what you can expect from the legal process. Goldstein and Bashner has offices conveniently located in Manhattan and Long Island.




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