Inconvenience to Tenant Isn't Service Reduction

(Decision submitted by Pamela A. Koplik of the Manhattan law firm of Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., attorneys for the landlord.) Rent-controlled tenant complained of a reduction in services. Landlord had installed water valves in tenant's closet and had to enter tenant's apartment four to six times a year to make adjustments. Tenant claimed that this caused her inconvenience because she had to let landlord in, take off time from work, and empty her closet each time. The DRA ruled against tenant. Tenant appealed and lost. Inconvenience to tenant wasn't a reduction in services. If tenant suffered loss of income or other monetary loss because of landlord's actions, she had to sue landlord in small claims court.

McKnight: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. OE420097RT (10/24/00) [3-pg. doc.]