Air Vents Remain Clogged

Tenants complained of a reduction in services due to clogged air vents. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents. Landlord later sought rent restoration, claiming that services were restored. The DRA ruled against landlord when inspection showed that the air vents were still clogged. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord pointed out that the DHCR inspector's report noted that the air vents weren't dirty. But the DRA properly considered the overall operability of the ventilation system and found that the vents still didn't allow for sufficient air flow and ventilation. So rent restoration was properly denied.

Riverton, LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. XI410043RO (1/29/10) [4-pg. doc.]