Rent Restored 20 Years After Fire-Damaged Apartment Was Re-inhabited

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services based on fire damage that rendered his apartment uninhabitable. The DRA ruled for tenant in 1997 and reduced his rent. Landlord later applied for rent restoration based on restoration of services. The DRA ruled against landlord, finding that services had been only partially restored. Landlord appealed and won. Tenant moved into a fully renovated apartment and signed a lease commencing June 1, 1998. Landlord filed the rent restoration application 20 years later in February 2018. The DHCR then inspected the unit and found some leaks and other conditions. But these conditions were unrelated to the fire incident. So, landlord's application to restore rent was granted. If tenant had other complaints now, he could file a service reduction complaint.

44 North Grove, LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. GS710011RO (9/25/19) [3-pg. doc.]