Landlord Installed Exposed Gas Pipes in Tenant's Living Room

Rent-stabilized tenant complained to the DHCR of a reduction in required services based on a number of conditions. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent, after inspection found that tenant's intercom was inoperable; living room windows were misaligned and difficult to open, close, and lock properly; and the installation of new gas pipes in the living room was unworkmanlike. The DHCR's inspector found that gas pipes protruded toward the middle of the living room, decreasing full use of that room.

Landlord appealed, seeking a modification of one finding, and lost. Landlord claimed that the installed gas risers were legally required and approved by DOB. Landlord also argued that the exposed gas risers weren't defective and/or dangerous and only minimally abutted from the living room wall. But, contrary to landlord's claim, there had been complaints to DOB regarding the installation of exposed gas pipes. DOB's inspector had noted that the gas piping was installed incorrectly, as there was no protection against physical damage. DOB even issued a stop work order. And DHCR review confirmed that placement of the newly installed gas pipe obstructed full use of tenant's living room space.

495 Estates: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. HP410026RO (8/20/20) [2-pg. doc.]