A real estate agent from Hampton Bays, who also manages rental properties across Southampton Town, was convicted last month of violating the municipality’s rental laws eight times, according to town officials.
Robert Mazzone was convicted by a jury in Southampton Town Justice Court on June 20 for failing to secure rental permits for eight properties that he manages, town officials said. As a result, he faces up to a $30,000 fine and six months imprisonment for each misdemeanor count when he is sentenced later this summer, they added.
According to a press release issued by the town, Mr. Mazzone serves as property manager for a number of “substandard homes” in the municipality, and has refused to comply with the town’s rental law, which officials noted is intended to protect renters.
“Let this serve as a warning to others who would choose to rent out a home in violation of the town’s rental laws,” Senior Assistant Town Attorney Richard Harris said in a prepared statement. “If anyone, including a homeowner, a real estate agent, a property manager, or even a tenant tries to rent out a home without first obtaining a rental permit, they can and will be prosecuted and will face severe criminal penalties.”
Mr. Mazzone, whose family operates Hampton Sales and Rentals Corp. on East Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, did not immediately return a call on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Southampton Town Code Enforcement Officer Christopher Fraser noted that Mr. Mazzone is not listed as the owner of any of the eight properties.
Mr. Fraser did not immediately provide addresses for the eight rental properties.