Delshah claims expeditor failed to remove big fines at West Village apartment building

Delshah Capital claims an expeditor failed to take care of violations at a West Village apartment building, resulting in higher fines that totaled at least $39,000.

The firm accuses Brooklyn-based Jack Jaffa & Associates of working “carelessly, negligently and improperly” to remove open violations with the Department of Buildings and the Environmental Control Board at 100 Christopher Street, according to a lawsuit filed with the state Supreme Court on Wednesday.

According to the Department of Buildings website, Delshah was hit with several violations related to an apartment that was improperly converted for “transient use” — i.e. for short-term renters and/or hotel use. The fines weren’t paid on time, triggering a $1,000 a day late fee, records show.

Delshah is seeking at least $39,000 for alleged breach of contract. Messages left for Jack Jaffa, president and CEO of the expediting firm, weren’t immediately returned.

Delshah purchased the five-story building in 2013 for $27 million. The building features 37 rental units and retail space on the ground floor (occupied by Rag & Bone).

Developers and property owners often hire expeditors to deal with the maze of DOB paperwork that accompanies building or renovating in the city. They also often handle DOB and other agencies’ violations. According to its website, Jack Jaffa & Associates specializes in violation removal across various city agencies.