Landlord Received Written Notice of Tenant's Complaint

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services. She claimed that smoke and vermin infiltrated her apartment through openings in the floor. The DRA ruled for tenant after inspection and reduced her rent. Landlord appealed, claiming that tenant didn't notify him in writing of her complaint before filing it with the DHCR. The Rent Stabilization Code requires tenant to do so. The DHCR ruled against landlord. Tenant submitted with her complaint a letter dated Nov. 12, 2007. This letter was addressed to landlord and advised landlord of smoke and vermin infiltration into the apartment through openings in the three bedrooms, hall, and living room of the apartment. Tenant's letter was sufficiently specific to put landlord on notice of the claimed defects.

Beinert: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. WH210053RO (12/4/08) [3-pg. doc.]