Empire State Today

New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, announced a settlement with Syracuse landlord Todd Hobbs for failing to address lead-based paint hazards at his rental properties. The $175,000 settlement will be used for a tenant relief fund to aid families affected by lead poisoning.

Attorney General James expressed her concern over Hobbs' negligence, stating, "Todd Hobbs put families’ health and well-being in danger and betrayed their trust." She emphasized the importance of protecting children, especially those from marginalized communities, from preventable lead poisoning.

Mayor Ben Walsh highlighted the significance of the settlement, noting that it holds landlords accountable and provides resources to reduce lead hazards. He stated, "It sends a message to rental property owners: you must provide safe, quality living conditions for your tenants."

The lawsuit against Hobbs was filed in July 2023, citing numerous violations of lead safety laws at his rental properties over the past eight years. At least 11 children were lead-poisoned while living at these properties, highlighting the pervasive issue of lead-based paint in Syracuse's housing stock.

Lead poisoning disproportionately affects children of color in Syracuse, with a high prevalence among low-income families. The settlement will allocate funds to assist affected tenants and address lead hazards at Hobbs' properties with violations.

Various advocacy groups praised the Attorney General's actions, emphasizing the importance of holding negligent landlords accountable for providing safe housing conditions. They commended the efforts to ensure the well-being of vulnerable families in Syracuse.

Attorney General James thanked Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse for their collaboration in combating childhood lead poisoning. This settlement is part of her ongoing efforts to enforce lead poisoning prevention laws and hold landlords accountable for violations.

The Attorney General's office continues to work with local partners statewide to address lead poisoning and safeguard children's health. This settlement with Todd Hobbs follows similar actions taken against other landlords in Syracuse and across New York for lead safety law violations.