Bridgeport's illegal apartment problem

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - Bridgeport's mayor implores landlords to allow fire inspectors into their rental properties to help prevent another tragic fatal fire.

Mayor Bill Finch admitted to News 8's Ted Koppy he simply has no way of knowing how many apartments without permits there are in the Park City.

News 8 also spoke to several neighbors on Elmwood Avenue. They say there is definitely an issue in Bridgeport with landlords adding apartments to buildings without permits, all in the name of making a few extra dollars.

Crews with the State Fire Marshall were at the burned out house at 41 Elmwood Avenue Wednesday talking to one of the residents forced out of that home.

Still under investigation is whether the third floor apartment – where Engine 7- Ladder 11’s Lt. Steven Velazquez and FF Michel Baik lost their lives -- was added illegally.

In this neighborhood and you see homes with more mailboxes than addresses.And it's not just a neighborhood problem. A number of residents tell us it is citywide.

"I've seen some stuff where people really shouldn't be living there,” said Diana. “But because the rent is cheap enough, they're there and the landlords are making out. I've seen it many, many times, many places."

Mayor Finch admits that illegal apartments are an issue, but so is enforcement.

"The real problem here is that the lawyers get involved and they protect peoples' private property rights and their right to privacy,” Bridgeport’s mayor said.

Most property owners don't exactly roll out the red carpet for inspectors.

Mayor Finch continued, "I implore landlords to open up the door to our Fire Department. They routinely inspect apartments throughout the city.

“When there are no fires, they're out getting people to put smoke detectors in. They're out asking to inspect apartments.

“Let us inspect. We're not the heavy hand of the law, we're life savers."

Mayor Finch says, of course, it costs some money up front to submit to inspections and get permits. But as the Elmwood house fire case shoes; it can save a lot in the long run.