Tenant Complained About Rat Poison Odor

March 1, 1996

LVT Number: 10437

Tenant complained of a reduction in services because of an odor in the building vestibule coming from the basement. Tenant claimed the smell was the result of rat infestation. She said it was a combination of rat dander, fur, excrement, decomposition, and rat poison. The DRA ruled for tenant, and landlord appealed. Landlord claimed that the smell was from the rat poison chemicals only. The DHCR ruled for landlord and revoked the rent reduction. There was no proof of rodent infestation and no proof that landlord wasn't providing adequate janitorial services.

Tenant complained of a reduction in services because of an odor in the building vestibule coming from the basement. Tenant claimed the smell was the result of rat infestation. She said it was a combination of rat dander, fur, excrement, decomposition, and rat poison. The DRA ruled for tenant, and landlord appealed. Landlord claimed that the smell was from the rat poison chemicals only. The DHCR ruled for landlord and revoked the rent reduction. There was no proof of rodent infestation and no proof that landlord wasn't providing adequate janitorial services. Whether landlord's exterminating measures complied with local law was an issue for the appropriate city agency.

Riverside Apartments Co.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. JG230069RO (12/22/95) [2-page document]

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