Laundry Room Provided by Independent Contractor

(Decision submitted by James R. Marino of the Manhattan law firm of Kucker & Bruh, LLP, attorneys for the landlord.) Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to eliminate laundry room facilities at the building. The DRA ruled for landlord on the condition that it accept a permanent rent reduction of $5.60 per month from each tenant. Landlord appealed, pointing out that the laundry facilities were an ancillary service that had always been provided by an independent contractor. The DHCR ruled for landlord. Since the laundry service was provided by an independent contractor, it could be modified without being subject to rent stabilization. Landlord can eliminate this service without penalty.

Laurelton Gardens Assocs.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. KL110035RO (9/23/03) [2-pg. doc.]