Landlord Changed Heat Delivery System Without DHCR Approval

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services because landlord had eliminated heating in tenant’s bathroom. Because landlord had installed new heating and cooling units in the wall, tenant now paid Con Edison for that heating. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord changed the mode of heat delivery to tenant’s apartment without first filing an application with the DHCR for permission to modify required services. The fact that landlord filed such application, now pending, three months after tenant complained of reduced services didn’t matter. 

Pelham 1540, LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. EU610032RO (1/31/17) [3-pg. doc.]