Rent Reduction Ordered Based on Vermin in Apartment

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services based on mold and vermin throughout her apartment. Landlord pointed out that tenant received monthly extermination service. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent based on DHCR inspection that found evidence of mice and roaches in the apartment. The inspector found no mold or mildew. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord argued that tenant's apartment was treated for pest control on a continuous and monthly basis, except when tenant wouldn't make the apartment available or refused treatment. The DHCR noted that tenant's apartment was serviced by the exterminator five times between September 2017 and August 2018. Tenant's letter concerning refusal of extermination services was sent after the cited treatments and after the DHCR's inspection. Tenant's rent was properly reduced.

853 Empire Blvd. Associates, LP: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. GV210019RO (10/31/19) [3-pg. doc.]