T
he Real Deal stopped covering the "worst landlords" watchlist years ago due to its unreliability, and it appears nothing has changed. The latest list includes Adam Leitman Bailey, a high-profile real estate attorney, as the 11th worst landlord in New York City. However, Bailey's firm claims he was never the owner or managing agent of the Brooklyn apartment building cited for 829 violations.

    According to Bailey, his firm was appointed receiver for the building in foreclosure in October 2023 and replaced eight months later. Court documents show that Bailey couldn't obtain necessary authority to manage the property properly. Despite this, city records listed him as managing agent until he learned about the "worst landlords" list.

    Bailey's firm sent multiple emails to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams' office, which ignored them and published the list with his name on it. The public advocate's list is based on a raw count of violations recorded by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development but often names non-landlords, including employees of property managers.

    Bailey called the list irresponsible, stating that someone who buys a building with existing issues can be named a "worst landlord" before having a chance to address them. He also claimed that a former owner had intentionally damaged the boiler, leading to frequent complaints about heat and hot water. Bailey's firm is working to remove his name from city records as managing agent.