Rusty Kitchen Cabinet

Tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent. Landlord appealed, claiming that the rust found on the floor of tenant's kitchen cabinet was merely surface discoloration and was a minor condition. In response to tenant's complaint, landlord placed a new linoleum cover across the bottom of the cabinet floor. Landlord also claimed that tenant had caused the condition. The DHCR ruled against landlord. An inspection showed that the kitchen cabinet floor was in poor condition, as the floor was covered with rust. Covering up the corroded cabinet floor with linoleum didn't correct the rusted condition. And there was no proof that tenant had caused the condition.

Aranoff: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. UB210028RO (4/13/06) [2-pg. doc.]