Rent Reduction Ordered for Tenants of Entire Complex

Rent-stabilized tenants in a building complex asked the DHCR for a rent reduction based on a decrease in building-wide services. They said there had been no elevator services in the A and D buildings since July 2021 and that the elevators in the B and C buildings were faulty, in disrepair, and poorly maintained. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents.

Landlord appealed and lost. DHCR inspections had revealed in March and April 2022 that, while the elevators in the A and D buildings were working properly, the elevators in the B and C buildings were not in service and were being repaired. Landlord argued that, based on the inspections, rent reduction orders should've been issued for the B and C buildings only, and not for the A and D buildings. But the DHCR noted that the use of the B and C building elevators was a service provided to all tenants, including those who lived in the A and D buildings. 

PPSP Preservation LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. KS210008RO (8/31/22)[2-pg. document]