Insufficient Janitorial Services, Directory Errors Not Minor

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services. They claimed that janitorial services weren't maintained. They also said that the building's intercom directory didn't contain the names of many tenants. The DRA ruled for 89 tenants and reduced their rents. Landlord appealed, arguing that any reduction in janitorial services was minor and didn't warrant a rent reduction. Landlord also claimed that the vast majority of tenant names and apartment numbers were listed properly on the directory. The DHCR ruled against landlord. The DHCR inspection showed that janitorial services weren't provided to the stairwells and landings throughout the building. This wasn't a minor condition. Inspection also showed that the tenant directory at the building entrance was missing various tenant names. The rent reductions remained in effect pending determination of landlord's application to restore rents.

Savoy Park Owner, LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. WE410080RO (9/12/08) [3-pg. doc.]