Broken Bathroom Door Lock and Cracked Flooring Weren't Minor Conditions

Rent-stabilized tenant complained to the DHCR of a reduction in services based on various conditions in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and with the mailbox and entrance door lock. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent after inspection showed that the bathroom door lock wasn't installed properly and wasn't secured, the living room floor covering had cracks, and various walls had rough, uneven plaster and cracks. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that the conditions involved were "de minimis" in nature and didn't warrant a rent reduction. The DHCR found landlord's argument to be self-serving and noted that these weren't minor conditions.

Sui's Enterprise LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. MQ210020RO, MQ210022RO (8/22/24)[8-pg. document]