Settlement reached with Syracuse landlord for lead violations at properties

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A settlement was reached with a Syracuse landlord who was being sued by local, county and state leaders for lead paint violations at his properties.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the settlement on Wednesday, March 20, with Todd Hobbs and his companies, TLH Holdings, LLC and TLH Properties, LLC. The NYS Attorney General’s Office, along with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, brought the case against Hobbs.

Over the last eight years, there have been 413 violations of lead safety laws at 19 different properties owned by Hobbs around Syracuse, the NYS Attorney General’s Office said. At least 11 children suffered lead poisoning while living at these properties.

Hobbs is now required to pay $175,000, which will be used to aid the families of the children who were lead-poisoned while living at his properties. The money will also be used to identify and resolve potential lead hazards at Hobbs’ properties.

“It holds Todd Hobbs accountable, directs resources to reduce dangerous lead hazards, and provides assistance to tenants. It also sends a message to rental property owners: you must provide safe, quality living conditions for your tenants. The city will continue working with our partners to protect children and families from lead poisoning,” said Walsh.