The landlord of a Sharon apartment building has been fined and two new violations were filed after tenants were forced to evacuate after experiencing days with no running water.

Following a summary trial before a district magistrate on Monday 54-year-old Joseph Fusco of Hermitage was found guilty of eight counts of failure to secure a rental license. Fusco was ordered to pay $3,200 in fines and fees.

Eight other counts of failing to secure a license were dismissed. Fusco was found not guilty on a 17th count.

New charges were filed by fire department officials. Fusco was cited for two violations, including failing to maintain fire protection.

35 tenants of the State Towers had to find shelter elsewhere last month because authorities say Fusco had not paid the sewer bill, even though tenants said rent was collected on April 1.

In addition, a fire inspector reported finding over 60 code violations at the apartments ranging from inoperable fire doors and almost 50 different places that were lacking necessary smoke detector systems. For the smoke detector systems that were found only one or two of them worked.

Additionally, the boiler regulator had been leaking gas into the building for almost a month, stairwells were filled with bird feces and drywall was coming off the walls and ceiling.

Notices from the city of Sharon were taped to apartment doors telling tenants that they needed to find another place to live.

To help move the tenants out smoothly, the city paired up with the Shenango Valley Urban League to find nearby hotels for as many people as possible.

In Pennsylvania, summary cases are cases in which all the offenses charged are either summary offenses or violations of ordinances for which imprisonment may be imposed upon conviction or upon failure to pay a fine or penalty.

Sharon’s municipal code requires landlords to obtain rental licenses which include mandatory inspections and proof of property insurance coverage.

If the code is violated, tenants are prohibited from living at the property and the landlord is responsible for relocation expenses.