Rent Restored After Landlord Gets Approval for Modification of Intercom

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled for tenant because landlord had unilaterally changed the building's bell/buzzer system without getting prior approval from the DHCR. The DRA advised landlord to file an "OD" application to obtain approval for modification of services. Landlord did so, and in February 2017, the DRA granted landlord's application to replace the original hard-wired intercom system with a digital intercom system. Landlord then applied for rent restoration, and the DRA ruled for landlord. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that the intercom replacement system was insufficient, but the DHCR wouldn't consider that. Since landlord complied with the rent reduction order by applying for, and obtaining, approval for the service modification, landlord was entitled to rent restoration.

May: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FP430029RT (2/2/18) [3-pg. doc.]