No Proof Intercom Service Was Restored

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services based on a defective intercom system. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents. Landlord later applied for rent restoration based on the restoration of services. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. Landlord argued that rents should be restored for at least 12 of the 15 apartments where tenants didn't provide access to the DHCR's inspector and therefore there was no proof that the intercoms were deficient. Landlord claimed that the audio was adequate, but inspection of several apartments found that it was very poor. Landlord also failed to provide proof that the intercoms were repaired after the DRA ruled that the service wasn't being maintained.

Douglas Elliman Prop. Mgt.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. CM430003RO (3/20/15) [3-pg. doc.]