"The city issues quality-of-life violations when people violate construction safety rules, start construction before or after hours, or have dangerous sidewalk conditions—and nobody seems to care," said City Councilman Ben Kallos. "Many landlords and developers treat [the fines] as a cost of doing business."

A 9300 Realty spokesman disputed the $1 million figure, and said the firm has paid the city hundreds of thousands of dollars since the nonprofit's study.

Kallos is sponsoring bills to give the Department of Finance, which collects fines, more power. One would put a lien on buildings if a big enough balance has accrued (this can be done now with single-family homes).