Landlord's Extermination Efforts Insufficient

Tenant complained to the DHCR of a reduction in required services. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent based on vermin in the apartment. Landlord appealed, claiming that it sent an exterminator to the building twice a month. The DHCR ruled against landlord. Landlord's attempts to exterminate were insufficient. DHCR inspection showed evidence of waterbugs in tenant's apartment. And NY Housing Maintenance Code Sections 27-2017 and 27-2018 stated that vermin control may require the sealing of any openings through which vermin and pests may enter, as well as other extermination measures.

Lamas: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ZK410009RO (10/27/12) [3-pg. doc.]