Man Convicted Of Violating Southampton Rental Law: Supervisor

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A man caught violating the Southampton Town rental law was convicted recently, according to Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

According to the supervisor, the town successfully prosecuted a local agent/ property manager for renting homes for which valid rental permits had not been issued, in violation of the Southampton's town code.

On June 20, Robert A. Mazzone, a local agent and property manager, was convicted by a jury of eight counts of violating the town’s rental law, which states that no person shall occupy or otherwise use a dwelling unit as a rental property without a valid rental permit being issued, a release from the supervisor's office said.

Mazzone has maintained an office at Hampton Sales and Rentals Corp, located at 63A East Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, for years, the release said.

The town maintained that "Mazzone has acted as an agent/property manager for a number of substandard homes, refused to comply with the town’s rental law, which is in place to ensure that only homes that are safe are rented out to the public. He is now facing substantial fines and possible incarceration," the release said.

“Let this serve as a warning to others who would choose to rent out a home in violation of the town’s rental laws,” said Senior Assistant Town Attorney Richard Harris. “If anyone, including a homeowner, a real estate agent, a property manager, or even a tenant tries to rent out a home without first obtaining a rental permit, they can and will be prosecuted, and will face severe criminal penalties.”

The violations of the town code, all of which are misdemeanors, carry penalties of up to $30,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment for each count; Mazzone is scheduled to be sentenced later this summer, the release said.

“I understand that there is some frustration at times on the part of the community when it comes to these kinds of violations of the town code,” Southampton Town Councilman Stan Glinka said. "But our code officers and our town attorney are diligent in their efforts. This result is evidence of their dedication and hard work, and our commitment to the safety of all residents and visitors in the town.”

Added Schneiderman, "I trust that this will make others recognize that the town has no tolerance for illegal rentals." The supervisor said he wanted to commend the town's code enforcement staff, particularly investigator Ricardo Larios, on a job well done.

For information on obtaining a rental permit before renting out a house, contact Southampton Town's division of code enforcement at (631) 702-1700.