Damage to Fire Escape Warranted Rent Reduction

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of a reduction in services based on several conditions, including damage to the fire escape outside his apartment. Tenant claimed that the fire escape was damaged when the Fire Department needed emergency access while a prior tenant lived in the apartment. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent. Landlord appealed and lost. DHCR inspection showed that the fire escape window was operable but the metal bars for the fire escape gate were bent, damaged in low-security condition, the exterior flushing of the fire escape window was bent and damaged, and the fire escape window lock was damaged.

Baez: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. HM410008RO (2/25/20) [3-pg. doc.]