New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on April 20 a settlement with Syracuse landlords Brian A. Murphy and Harry Murphy following an investigation into lead hazards and unsafe living conditions at their rental properties, which are mostly located in low-income neighborhoods. The investigation found that the Murphys failed to address deteriorating lead-based paint and did not consistently provide required disclosures to tenants, resulting in elevated blood lead levels in at least seven children.
The issue of lead poisoning remains a significant concern for families living in older housing stock, especially those with young children. The settlement aims to bring relief to affected tenants and require changes that will improve safety standards.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Murphys will establish a $35,000 tenant relief fund for families whose children were poisoned by lead while residing in their properties. They are also required to commit at least $80,000 toward inspections, risk assessments, and remediation work where there is a history of violations. Additional requirements include annual inspections for lead hazards and full compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to housing safety. If these obligations are not met, they face an additional penalty of up to $80,000.
“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, yet too many New Yorkers are still exposed to toxic lead in their own homes because landlords fail to meet their legal obligations,” said Attorney General James. “The unacceptable conditions my office uncovered in this investigation put children at risk of serious, lifelong harm. Today’s settlement will bring relief to impacted tenants and force meaningful changes to ensure these properties are safe.”
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said: “Every family deserves a safe home… This settlement ensures accountability and delivers meaningful relief for impacted tenants.” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said: “This settlement reinforces the shared responsibility we all have to protect families… from preventable harm.” Oceanna Fair of Families for Lead Freedom Now added: “This settlement is more than a legal action; it is a recognition of the harm our community has carried…” Dr. Travis Hobart from the Central/Eastern New York Lead Poisoning Resource Center said he appreciates efforts by authorities “to protect vulnerable children by holding landlords accountable.”
According to the official website, the New York Attorney General promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy while protecting public safety and defending civil rights across regional offices statewide. The agency also provides services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation as part of its broader mission as New York’s public law enforcement authority.
Attorney General James has previously secured settlements against other landlords across New York State over similar violations involving hazardous housing conditions.
