Rents Restored After Landlord Removes Unauthorized Service Modification

Rent-stabilized tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services. They pointed out that landlord had replaced a traditional wired intercom system with a modernized telephone-based intercom system without prior DHCR approval. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced their rents. The DRA later granted landlord's application to restore rents based on restoration of services. Tenants appealed and lost. After the rent reduction order was issued, landlord submitted an application to eliminate the new telephone-based intercom system and return to the traditional intercom system. The DRA granted landlord's application in January 2018. The DRA then properly restored tenants' rents. 

Various Tenants: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. GU630013RT, GT630046RT, GT430047RT (10/2/19) [3-pg. doc.]