House that caught fire in Monsey found to be rental home with dozens of visiting students from Canada
A Ramapo police report says 60 students from Montreal were staying in the home which was listed online as a large short‑term rental.
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Violations are posted on a boarded‑up home in Monsey, after heavy smoke and fire damaged the property a few weeks ago.
According to a Ramapo police report obtained through a records request, 60 12th‑grade girls from a school in Montreal were staying at the house, located at 161 Remsen Ave., for several days - along with some teachers.
The report also found that the home was listed on the rental site "Guestay," described as “The Haven Estate Villa.” Its online description advertised accommodations for 48 guests with 13 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.
Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht said the property was not being used in accordance with its certificate of occupancy, which designates it as a single‑family home.
“We're very fortunate and happy that no one was hurt,” he said, adding, “It's not acceptable to just use the property illegally and in a manner that could be dangerous, potentially very dangerous.”
The owner, Remsen Views LLC, of Monsey, is facing violations for failing to follow the certificate of occupancy, overcrowding, and not having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The owner has 30 days to correct the issues or face the Town Justice Court.
Photos from the basement show the extent of the fire damage. A fire inspection report states that the blaze appears to have started in the sauna, possibly due to an electrical failure.
News 12 was unable to reach the property owner for comment at the time of this report.
