Tenant's Washing Machine Didn't Reduce Water Pressure in Bathroom

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRO ruled for tenant and reduced his rent based on its finding of inadequate water pressure in tenant’s bathroom. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that tenant illegally installed a washing machine in the apartment, which was attached to the kitchen sink and which reduced the bathroom’s water pressure. So, landlord argued, tenant caused any decrease in the apartment’s water pressure. But there was no proof either that the washing machine was illegally installed or that the washing machine was affecting the bathroom water pressure. The DHCR’s inspector noted no decrease in water pressure to the bathroom when the washing machine was on.

Drobenko: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. DU410033RO (3/11/16) [3-pg. doc.]