Building Step and Hallway Conditions Not Minor

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in building-wide services based on the condition of the building entrance steps, hallways, and interior staircase. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that the cited conditions were minor. The DHCR's inspector reported that the building's front entrance steps hadn't been painted in the past, several steps were cracked the entire width of the steps, and there were broken areas and gaps along the edges of the steps. There was also peeling paint in the hallway and a hole to the second-floor hallway wall that exposed a corner support bracket. Defects in the staircase included loose boards on several steps, and a missing and chipped floor tile.

FAC HDFC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. BS210027RO (6/27/14) [2-pg. doc.]