Syracuse Landlord Agrees to Sell Rental Properties
William D'Angelo must divest from his 19 properties following lead paint and city code violations.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Apartments
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Landlord William D'Angelo agreed to sell all 19 of his Syracuse rental properties following a court order regarding outstanding lead paint and city code violations. This settlement helps D'Angelo avoid a contempt of court finding and potential jail time.
Why it matters
The agreement follows D'Angelo's failure to address significant safety issues, including lead paint hazards, despite previous 2024 settlement requirements. It aims to protect tenants from further exposure while resolving long-standing legal disputes.
D'Angelo must complete the property sales within 180 days and utilize federally approved contractors for all remaining lead paint repairs. He also faces a $100 daily fine for missed repair deadlines and a $37,500 penalty for prior unapproved abatement work.
The players
William D'Angelo
A property owner who currently manages 19 rental units across Syracuse.
New York Attorney General
The state-level legal authority responsible for overseeing and approving the sale of D'Angelo's rental properties.
Mendy Kletzky
A fellow landlord who was previously ordered by the court to sell his properties due to similar regulatory violations.
The details
The landlord previously paid $230,000 for remediation and $80,000 into a fund for 16 children affected by lead poisoning as part of a 2024 deal. Prospective buyers of his properties will require formal approval from the New York Attorney General's office to finalize any transactions.
Timeline
2024: D'Angelo signed an initial settlement agreement for property repairs.
December 2025: This was the original deadline for lead paint inspections and repairs.
August 2026: The New York Attorney General asked a judge to hold D'Angelo in contempt.
October 2, 2026: Landlord Mendy Kletzky was ordered to sell properties by a court.
October 29, 2026: D'Angelo agreed to sell his properties in court.
Culture Shift
This mandate signals a growing institutional intolerance for property owners who repeatedly flout state-mandated safety standards for lead paint abatement. It reflects a broader movement by state regulators to prioritize tenant health by removing repeat offenders from the rental market.
Tenants currently residing in these 19 units may see changes in management or lease conditions as properties are sold to new owners. Residents should ensure their contact information is up-to-date to receive notices regarding property transitions and any outstanding repair schedules.
The takeaway
This case highlights the serious financial and legal consequences of failing to address municipal building codes and safety hazards. Property owners must ensure they maintain proper certification for all abatement work to avoid forced divestment of their assets.
What happens next
The settlement agreement is expected to be finalized by the court within two weeks, initiating the 180-day countdown for property sales.
Further reading
Learn more about the housing market and local rental standards in the Syracuse Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
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