Landlord Reduced Three Security Guard Shifts to Two

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services because landlord had reduced security guard shifts from three round-the-clock shifts to two, which left less than 24-hour coverage. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents. In a separate case, the DRA denied landlord's application to modify services by reducing the number of shifts from three to two. Landlord appealed both decisions and lost. Landlord had provided three guards at the gatehouse for 24 hours per day, five days per week, for 30 years. Landlord claimed that it no longer needed round-the-clock coverage because of a new intercom system. But the building already had an intercom system, so this wasn't sufficient reason to justify a change in services.

Ridge Leasing Limited Partners: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. YB230007RO, YB230008RO (8/20/10) [5-pg. doc.]