Landlord Changed Trash Collection Method Without Approval

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services after landlord changed the trash collection method at the building. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord had modified trash collection service at the building without first applying to the DHCR for permission to modify required services. Landlord argued that the change didn't reduce services and that it had a pending application to modify services before the DHCR. But that didn't matter, even though landlord's service modification application eventually was granted after the DRA reduced tenants' rents. Landlord's later application to restore rents also had been granted, so the issue was resolved.

706 Realty Co., LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ZE430002RO (5/25/12) [3-pg. doc.]