Non-Working Security Cameras Were a Reduction in Services

Rent-stabilized tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord pointed out that tenants had complained that it had removed building security cameras. But, at the time of DHCR inspection, the cameras were in place. Landlord argued that the DRA incorrectly found that the cameras weren't operational. But the DHCR inspector's report stated that he couldn't tell if the cameras were operating because an outside entity monitored the cameras from another location outside the building. And the DRA had asked landlord for additional information, specifically whether the security cameras were working, whether they were monitored, and the location where recordings were made and monitored. In response, landlord admitted that the cameras weren't monitored and otherwise didn't respond to the DRA's questions. The DRA properly determined the scope of tenants' complaint that there was "little security" at the building and that the cameras had been removed. The DRA also properly deemed landlord's nonresponse as an admission that the cameras were non-operational.

Pelham 1135, LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FQ610007RO (4/10/18) [4-pg. doc.]