Rent Reduced to $1 per Month Based on Uninhabitable Conditions

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services based on multiple apartment defects. Tenant claimed that the kitchen cabinets were broken; the kitchen ceiling leaked; the bathroom shower knobs, wall, toilet, and sink pipes were broken; other rooms needed repairs; the hall contained mold and stains; and there was a vermin problem. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent to $1 per month based on conditions making the apartment uninhabitable. Landlord appealed and lost. DHCR inspection had confirmed that the apartment walls, floors, and ceiling were gutted to the studs, bricks, and beams. Tenant and her mother were in occupancy at the time of inspection. Landlord could seek rent restoration when the apartment was restored to habitable condition.

X D Yang & Daughter LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. HV210005RO (3/19/21) [2-pg. doc.]