Inoperable Lock on Bedroom Door Resulted in Rent Reduction

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in apartment services. Tenant cited many conditions in the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living room, hall, and foyer. After DHCR inspection, the DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent. While some services were maintained, a number of conditions existed. And, while the intercom worked, landlord had replaced the old intercom system with a new one without obtaining the DHCR's permission. So that item was included as grounds for the rent reduction.

Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord argued that the intercom worked. But landlord must file an application for DHCR approval of modification of services to get rent restored on that basis. Another condition the DRA found was an inoperable lock on a bedroom door. Landlord argued that the lock posed a significant safety hazard and violated the NYC Building Code. Landlord claimed that it wasn't a required service. But landlord was required to maintain any base date services, and landlord didn't point to any specific Building Code provision to show that there was a violation. Landlord could file a service modification application with DHCR concerning the bedroom door lock.

60-68 W. 107 Associates LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. HQ410044RO (10/16/20) [3-pg. doc.]