Landlord Can Install Telephone Intercom System

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to modify a required service for rent-stabilized tenants. Landlord sought to change the existing standard intercom system with a telephone-based system. The DRA ruled for landlord on condition that landlord pay for the costs of installing landline telephones in apartments that didn't have them, and that landlord reduce tenants' rents by $15 per month to compensate tenants for the cost of basic landline service. Landlord appealed, arguing that tenants could use their existing cell phones or landlines to operate their intercoms from any location in their apartments. The DHCR ruled against landlord. Tying intercom service to a cell phone wouldn't be a reasonable substitute service. A landline is physically in the apartment at all times, providing anyone in the apartment at the time with intercom service.

70 West 95th Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ZF410018RO (3/15/13) [5-pg. doc.]