A Manhattan condominium board has filed a lawsuit against a high-stakes poker player, alleging his persistent smoking of marijuana and cigarettes has violated building rules, accumulated $87,250 in fines, and created hazardous air quality for his neighbors. The suit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, targets Chau Shing Lam, who purchased a unit at 368 Third Avenue in Kips Bay for $4.15 million in August 2022.
The luxury building has a strict non-smoking policy, which Lam has allegedly ignored since moving in. The lawsuit claims Lam has been smoking "at all hours of the day and night," sending "noxious smoke" through the hallways and into adjacent apartments. The board states that this secondhand smoke has exacerbated a serious respiratory condition in a 12-year-old child residing in a neighboring unit.
According to court documents, air quality monitoring in the affected unit has consistently registered PM2.5 levels classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as "Unhealthy" for all persons and "extremely dangerous" for the child with reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. These levels are comparable to those experienced during severe wildfire events.
Escalating Violations and Fines
Despite multiple complaints and warning letters from the condo board over approximately two years, Lam has allegedly refused to change his behavior. The board issued 16 violation letters, levied escalating fines, and suspended Lam's access to building amenities, including the laundry room, gym, and rooftop terrace. Service and deliveries to his unit were also restricted.
Lam, who has reportedly earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in international poker tournaments, has disputed the board's claims. In an email to the board, he stated that he had been smoking in the building for two years without issue and that other residents also smoke. He also claimed he had stopped smoking in the apartment after a recent conversation with a neighbor.
In addition to smoking complaints, the lawsuit also cites instances of loud parties, running, yelling, and incessant dog barking coming from Lam's unit, further disturbing neighbors. The board's attorneys described Lam's conduct as an "egregious and unacceptable" and "unrelenting pattern of willful misconduct."
Legal Action and Temporary Restraining Order
After exhausting all other avenues to resolve the situation, the condo board initiated legal action. The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration that Lam is in breach of building rules. On Monday, a temporary restraining order was issued, compelling Lam to cease smoking in his apartment, on his balcony, and in common areas pending a court hearing.
The board's attorney, Jake Bedor, stated that the board made "repeated good-faith efforts to resolve this matter without resorting to litigation" but was ultimately left with no choice but to protect the community's interests. Lam, who also goes by Andrew Lam, was not available for comment. Building staff confirmed his presence in the building system under the name Andrew Lam, but a concierge noted Lam was currently in Asia.