Tenant Didn't Complain About Inoperative Doorbell

Tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled for tenant based on defects found in the refrigerator freezer, on the bathroom shower handle, on the bathroom walls, and on the doorbell. Landlord appealed, arguing that tenant didn't complain about the doorbell in his complaint. The DHCR ruled for landlord. Although tenant's prior letter to landlord complained about the doorbell, there was no mention of the doorbell in the complaint filed with the Rent Administrator. So it wasn't a proper grounds for rent reduction. However, the DHCR advised landlord to repair the doorbell.

Orfaly: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. TI210008RO (1/20/06) [3-pg. doc.]