*ping*
Alot of these landlords, especially in places like Bensonhurst, are in Italy, Florida, etc. and will always pull the Sgt. Schultz defense when confronted about their illegal subdivisions. Illegal sublets/subdivisions have been a problem in NYC for over a century, and these deathtrap fires happen from time to time, although most are set accidentally. Unfortunately, nobody in NYC has the stones to enforce building codes, even Rudy911.