Hallway Windows Sealed

Rent-controlled tenants complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their monthly rents by $3.00 because the staircase windows in the fourth- and fifth-floor public halls were being sealed. Landlord appealed. The DHCR ruled for landlord and revoked the rent cut. Tenants appealed. The court sent the case back to the DHCR for reconsideration. Tenants claimed that they were denied light and air by the sealing of these windows. The DHCR again ruled against tenants. Any light and air received through these windows before they were sealed with sheetrock was minimal, since a billboard blocked the windows on the outside. The sealing of these windows wasn't a reduction in services.

Nip: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. HF430317-RT (7/22/96) [2-page document]