Reduction to $1.00 Per Month Improper

Tenant complained of a reduction in services. Tenant cited a number of serious defective conditions due to a recent fire in the building, which had occurred above tenant's apartment. Tenant continued to occupy the apartment while repairs were being made. Landlord was providing gas, electricity, and hot and cold water. There were water stains, peeling paint, cracked and bulging ceilings and walls in various rooms of tenant's apartment, and a large hole in the bathroom ceiling. The DRA cut tenant's rent to $1.00 per month, effective as of the date of the fire. Landlord appealed, pointing out that tenant was able to use three out of the five rooms in the apartment and had agreed with landlord to prorate the rent while repairs were being made. The DHCR agreed that the rent cut was excessive. The $1.00 rent is to be paid by tenants forced to vacate because of fire damage. Tenant's rent cut was adjusted; tenant's rent was rolled back to the amount in effect before the last rent increase.

Bush/Amiet Corp.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. BK 410289-RO (3/10/93) [3-page document]