Relocation of Laundry Services Results in $30 Monthly Rent Reduction

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to modify laundry room services at its building by eliminating the small laundry rooms on each floor, which each contained one washing machine and one dryer, and replacing them with a central laundry room the building's basement. The DRA ruled for landlord and granted its request to install four washers and dryers in a basement laundry room that would be open 24/7. No rent reduction was ordered. Tenants appealed and won, in part. They claimed that the relocation of the laundry room service lowered their living standard. The DHCR upheld approval of the service modification but found that the change in laundry room service was not a minor inconvenience but rose to a decrease in required services to rent-stabilized tenants. Therefore, tenants were entitled to a permanent rent reduction of $30 per month as a result of the change. 

Various Tenants of 88 Lexington Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FT410010RT (7/1/22)[6-pg. document]