Smoke and CO Detectors Not Required in Hallways

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in building-wide services based on deficient hallway janitorial services and conditions. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent. Landlord appealed and won, in part. One of the conditions cited by the DRA's inspector was missing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke detectors without batteries in the building hallways. Landlord pointed out that the NYC Administrative Code doesn't require smoke or CO detectors in building hallways. The DHCR agreed, noting that the code required installation of smoke and CO detectors only inside apartments, and in mechanical rooms, electrical switch gear rooms, and electric and telephone closets that were over 75 square feet. That portion of the rent reduction order was revoked. 

Beachlane Management: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. BM410015RO (12/27/13) [4-pg. doc.]