Tenant Caused Apartment Fire

Tenant complained of a reduction in services after a fire in his apartment. The DRA ruled against tenant because the fire department report stated that the fire was caused by cigarette smoking in the apartment. Tenant appealed and lost. He claimed that the fire was caused by sparking from the television set, and that his roommate knocked over an ashtray trying to get to the TV after the fire had started. The DHCR stated that there was no proof that the fire was caused by sparking from the TV set. The DRA had properly relied on the fire department report in denying tenant's

Seidenstein: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. UG210045-RT (11/21/06) [2-pg. doc.]