Reduction in Lobby Attendant Hours Not Minor

(Decision submitted by David Hershey-Webb of the Manhattan law firm of Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph, attorneys for the tenants.)

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents after finding that there was a reduction in the lobby attendant’s hours. Landlord appealed, arguing that any reduction in the lobby attendant’s hours was minor. The DHCR ruled against landlord. The DHCR found that, although tenants’ complaint about the lobby attendant service was filed more than four years after service was reduced, the reduction in service wasn’t minor. It was undisputed that lobby attendant service was required and had been provided for specific hours, and that the attendant’s hours had been reduced.

Douglas Elliman Property Management: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. VJ430083RO (2/29/08) [3-pg. doc.]