Landlord Replaced Window Security Gate

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services, claiming that landlord had removed an improper window security gate and failed to replace it. The DRA ruled against tenant, who appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that her rent should be reduced back to September 2015, when landlord removed her old security gate. Landlord had removed the window security gate in September 2015 to remediate an illegal condition and HPD violation. Landlord claimed that tenant initially denied access for re-installation of a legal security gate but later permitted installation of new gates in August 2016. The DHCR conducted two inspections and, by the time of the second inspection, the new security gate had been installed. The DHCR inspector and landlord had previously appeared at a no-access inspection where landlord measured the window to prepare for re-installation of a legal gate. So no rent reduction was warranted. 

Yates: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. EW410030RT (6/23/17) [2-pg. doc.]