Syracuse Judge Ordered Landlord to Sell Properties
Justice Joseph Lamendola ruled that Mendy Kletzky must divest his 18 Syracuse rental properties within 90 days.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Should local governments have the authority to ban landlords from the rental market for code violations?
A judge has ordered Brooklyn-based landlord Mendy Kletzky to exit the Syracuse rental market and sell 18 properties. The ruling follows years of code violations and unpaid taxes, with Kletzky required to complete all property sales within 90 days.
Why it matters
The court's decision aims to resolve years of willful neglect and chronic housing code violations that have negatively impacted neighborhood safety in Syracuse. By holding Kletzky personally responsible, the city seeks to ensure accountability for unpaid bills and property maintenance.
Mendy Kletzky must divest 18 residential properties within 90 days, including 12 that are currently occupied. The order includes a $6.6 million penalty for code violations and $458,000 in outstanding back taxes and water bills.
The players
Mendy Kletzky
A Brooklyn-based landlord who has operated residential rental properties in Syracuse since 2007.
Justice Joseph Lamendola
The presiding judge who ordered the sale of Kletzky's properties and the payment of millions in fines.
City of Syracuse
The local municipal authority that initiated legal action to address neighborhood safety and unpaid taxes.
The details
Justice Joseph Lamendola ruled that the LLCs managing the properties are alter egos of Kletzky, enabling the court to hold him personally liable for the debt and violations. All future sales must be approved by the city to ensure no involvement from Kletzky or his associates.
Timeline
Kletzky began operating in Syracuse in 2007.
Kletzky pleaded guilty to lead paint violations in 2018.
The City of Syracuse filed a lawsuit against Kletzky in March 2025.
A bankruptcy court dismissed Kletzky's Chapter 13 case in September 2026.
Justice Joseph Lamendola issued the ruling on October 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
This mandate follows a long-documented trend of cities using aggressive legal measures to address chronic absentee landlordism. It reflects a broader societal push to prioritize tenant safety over the property rights of owners who repeatedly bypass local building codes.
Current tenants in the 12 occupied units may face transitions as properties are sold to new owners vetted by the city. Residents should monitor official city communications regarding changes in management or ownership to ensure their housing rights are protected.
The takeaway
The court's decision underscores that property owners are ultimately responsible for maintaining safe living conditions and paying municipal taxes. Property investors should prioritize code compliance to avoid losing their entire local real estate portfolio to court-mandated divestment.
What happens next
Kletzky is required to complete the sale of all 18 identified properties by late December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental regulations and housing standards in Syracuse Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
Live Poll
Should local governments have the authority to ban landlords from the rental market for code violations?
