Inadequate Daytime Lighting in Stairwell to Basement

Tenant complained of a reduction in building-wide services. Tenant said that the interior building staircase was inadequately lit. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent after finding that the stairs leading down to the basement weren't well lit during the day. Tenant's apartment was in the basement. Landlord appealed, claiming that, at the time of the inspection, the fluorescent light bulbs at the top of the stairs and in the hallway near tenant's apartment were nearly burned out and in need of replacement. Landlord said that it had now installed new fixtures that provided more lighting. Landlord also argued that he knew of no building code requirements concerning minimum lighting. The DHCR ruled against landlord. Landlord in fact acknowledged that there was inadequate lighting leading to tenant's apartment. This was grounds to file a rent restoration application, not to revoke the rent reduction.

Cast Properties, Inc.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. VI930007RO (5/7/08) [2-pg. doc.]