Landlord Relocated Garbage Storage Area

Tenant complained of reduced services. He claimed that landlord had illegally demolished an enclosed garbage storage area and converted it into a store. Garbage was now stored in basement hallways, attracting vermin and rodents. Landlord claimed that the former garbage storage area was in an independently owned commercial unit; that garbage was now kept in a locked, air-conditioned room on one level of the building's garage; and that there was no change in how tenants disposed of their garbage. They still placed it in compactor chutes. An inspection showed no garbage accumulation in any hallway and no infestation. The DRA ruled against tenant, and tenant appealed. The DHCR ruled against tenant. Relocating the garbage storage area hadn't changed the way in which tenants disposed of their garbage and wasn't a reduction in services.

Reinisch: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. BH 410301-RT (11/10/93) [2-page document]