DOB Never Disconnected Electrical Service

In July 1988, DOB notified the DHCR that electricity in landlord's building would be disconnected as a safety precaution due to building violations. For this reason, the DRA proposed to reduce tenants' rents to $1.00 per month while the electricity was disconnected. But an inspection in November 1988 showed electricity was working in the building, so the DRA didn't reduce rents. Tenant appealed the DRA's ruling, claiming that the electricity was never disconnected but that the underlying violations still existed. The DHCR ruled against tenant. The proposed rent reduction was based only on the disconnection of electricity in the building. Since this had never occurred, there was no reason to reduce tenant's rent.

Dillon: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. DA 420088-RT (11/5/93) [3-page document]