Storage Space Required

Glen Cove, Long Island, tenants complained of reduced services. They claimed that landlord had provided storage spaces since 1982, but that they'd been asked to remove their belongings five years later. Landlord didn't answer tenants' complaint, and the DRA ordered a rent cut. Landlord appealed, arguing that storage space wasn't a required service because it wasn't specified in tenants' leases. Landlord also claimed that the building's super had only given tenants informal verbal permission to use the space. The DHCR ruled for tenants. Landlord had provided storage space on the base date, so it's a required service. And it doesn't matter whether the service was specified in the lease or provided through an oral agreement.

Glen Cove Associates: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. DL 710121-RO (10/5/94) [2-page document]