DHCR Approves Substitution of Hard-Wired Intercom with New Phone-Based System

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to modify services at a rent-stabilized building. Landlord sought to modify or substitute the old hard-wired intercom at the building with a new phone-based system. The DRA ruled for landlord and found that no rent reduction was warranted for the substitution. The DHCR conditioned its approval on landlord's installation of a wireless, fixed hardware intercom or some other similar technology system in every unit, at the tenants' option. One tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that there was an outstanding rent reduction order based on a service complaint about the new intercom system. But that order reduced rents only because landlord hadn't obtained DHCR permission for the installation. Landlord had not had the DHCR's permission. 

Tempey: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. LW210004RT (2/23/24)[3-pg. document]