Replacement Intercom System Remained Defective

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services based on defective bell/buzzer/intercom service. The DRA ruled for tenants and reduced rents for four apartments found to have defective service. Landlord later sought restoration of rents based on the restoration of services. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. The DHCR inspector found that the E-line buzzer-buttons on the intercom panel remained defective and a loud buzzing sound came from the intercom's audio when the vestibule door was released remotely. Landlord claimed that these conditions were unrelated to the original grounds for the rent reduction. Landlord had installed a new intercom system in response to tenants' complaint. But these conditions were related since the initial complaint was that landlord failed to maintain bell/buzzer/intercom service at the building.

Rivera: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No.ZA630014RO (10/7/11) [3-pg. doc.]