Inspector's Findings Weren't Minor

Tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled for tenant based on findings that the walls in various building common areas needed painting, there was cracked plaster on the lobby ceiling, an entry door didn't latch properly, there were mice in the compactor room, and the backyard wasn't adequately cleaned. Landlord appealed, claiming that the conditions found were minor and didn't warrant a rent reduction. The DHCR ruled against landlord. The conditions found by the DHCR's inspector weren't minor. The areas requiring painting or plastering weren't isolated. The area requiring cleaning also was more than a small portion of the premises. And mice present a health hazard.

56-11 94th Street Co., LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. SI110024RO (3/24/05) [3-pg. doc.]