DHCR Doesn’t Decide Whether Changes to Fire Escape Reduce Services

LVT Number: #26226

Rent-controlled tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled against tenant, who appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that landlord reduced essential services by closing the fire-escape route over the roof to the west side of the building before converting the building to a condominium. This left only one fire-escape exit through the eastside stairwell.

Rent-controlled tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled against tenant, who appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that landlord reduced essential services by closing the fire-escape route over the roof to the west side of the building before converting the building to a condominium. This left only one fire-escape exit through the eastside stairwell. The DRO properly advised tenant that this complaint should go to DOB or HPD. The DHCR didn’t have the technical expertise to determine whether the fire escape route over the roof, the reversed lobby door, and the installation of combustible materials in the hallways caused building violations.

 

 
Gosen: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. BW410020RT (4/21/15) [2-pg. doc.]

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