No Electrical Problems Found in Tenant's Apartment

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services based on electricity problems in his apartment and leaks. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent after inspection showed that one bedroom had a blistered, discolored ceiling and walls with peeling plaster and paint due to leaks. The inspector also reported a hazardous, illegal electric wall outlet on the living room wall. Landlord appealed, claiming that tenant illegally converted the living room into a sleeping area and illegally installed electrical wiring by installing extension cords to supply electricity to the  living room area.

The DHCR ruled for landlord in part. The DRA incorrectly determined that landlord wasn't maintaining electric supply service. There was no finding of any electrical outage or electrical short circuit in the apartment. That portion of the DRA's order was revoked. And the noncompliant electrical outlet found by the inspector was an unrelated condition that wasn't a subject of tenant's complaint. The rent reduction remained in effect based on the other conditions found by the inspector.

2714 Avenue D: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. AX210003RO (10/11/13) [3-pg. doc.]