In the heart of Buffalo, a tragic incident has brought to light the dangerous conditions of some residential properties and the city’s apparent failure to enforce housing laws. Joseph Parlato, a local landlord, is at the center of a storm following the death of a University of Buffalo student in a fire at one of his properties. This incident has exposed a pattern of neglect and a systemic issue that demands attention.
The story begins with Rameshwar Brahmbhatt, a 25-year-old student from India, who was on the verge of earning his Master’s degree in data science. Tragically, he died on May 3, 2026, just weeks before his graduation, in a fire at 16 Merrimac St., a property owned by Parlato. This property, along with many others in Parlato’s portfolio, has a history of code violations and unpaid taxes.
The Tragic Incident at 16 Merrimac St.
On the evening of April 29, 2026, a fire broke out in the attic of 16 Merrimac St., where Rameshwar was residing. The attic room, deemed “not legal habitable space” by city inspectors, was one of several unlicensed units Parlato had been renting out through. Rameshwar’s housemates called 911 around 8:30 p.m., and firefighters arrived about 10 minutes later. Despite their efforts, Rameshwar succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The aftermath of the fire revealed a disturbing lack of empathy from Parlato. Rameshwar’s sister, Khubi Brahmbhatt, recounted how Parlato avoided their calls and showed no concern for their loss. “There was no empathy from Parlato’s side when we tried to reach out,” she said. “He knew that my brother was not just injured. He was dead.”
A Pattern of Neglect and Violations
Joseph Parlato owns at least 14 residential properties in Erie County, with all but one located in the City of Buffalo. His properties have been cited for more than 30 code violations since 2026. Despite these violations, Parlato has continued to rent out unlicensed attic rooms, taking advantage of foreign students desperate for housing.
Fred Brace, a former housing court liaison for the University District, criticized the city’s inaction. “The City of Buffalo does not enforce the law. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “Landlords are taking advantage of foreign students who want a roof over their head.” Brace also pointed out the city’s failure to collect overdue taxes and fees, describing it as “a complete abdication of fiscal responsibility.”
The City’s Failure to Act
The city’s response to the fire and Parlato’s violations has been lackluster at best. City inspectors cited 16 Merrimac St. for a dozen housing code violations on May 1, 2026, just two days after the fire. However, the fire department’s investigation report was largely blank, with no case summary or further details, and indicated that there were no victims.
The Brahmbhatt family met with fire officials on May 9, but was told that the property was likely not in violation. This contradicts the city inspectors’ findings and raises questions about the thoroughness of the investigation. The family’s attempts to reach Parlato were met with silence, adding to their distress during an already difficult time.
Parlato’s Legal Troubles
Parlato’s problems extend beyond the tragic incident at 16 Merrimac St. As of June 5, 2026, public records show he owes $152,426 in city taxes and sewer bills, $77,844 in county taxes, and $18,013 in city garbage fees. The county has notified Parlato that it will foreclose on three of his tax-delinquent properties. Additionally, Parlato is facing a trial in Housing Court regarding the violations at 16 Merrimac St.
Parlato’s property manager, James Andalora, denied any wrongdoing and claimed that neither he nor Parlato bear responsibility for Rameshwar’s death. However, city inspectors had issued violations for renting out the attic room, and Andalora himself has been cited for failing to obtain a property manager license.
The Human Cost of Neglect
The tragic death of Rameshwar Brahmbhatt serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of neglect and the importance of enforcing housing laws. Rameshwar was described as an “awfully sarcastic” young man who loved politics, horror films, and cricket. His sister recalled how he would step in to mediate disputes among his friends, using his height and calm demeanor to bring peace.
The Brahmbhatt family has been left to navigate the complexities of settling Rameshwar’s affairs in a foreign country. They have had to obtain a death certificate, secure his degree, organize a funeral, and bring his ashes home. The emotional toll of this process has been immense, made worse by Parlato’s lack of empathy and the city’s failure to hold him accountable.
As the legal battle unfolds, the hope is that this tragedy will lead to stricter enforcement of housing laws and greater protection for students and other vulnerable tenants. The story of Rameshwar Brahmbhatt and the neglect of Joseph Parlato’s properties is a call to action for the City of Buffalo to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents.
