Gas Service to Tenant's Apartment Disrupted

Tenant complained of a reduction in services. He said there was no gas service to his apartment. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent. DHCR inspection in December 2006 showed that there was no gas provided to the kitchen stove and that there were holes in the kitchen wall and ceiling around the top area of the gas pipe. Landlord appealed, claiming it restored the gas as quickly as possible. Landlord said that only DOB and Con Edison could turn the gas back on after repairs were made. The DHCR ruled against landlord. Gas service to tenant's apartment was shut off in June 2006. The delay in restoring the gas wasn't caused by DOB or Con Edison. The delay was caused by a stop-work order DOB placed on the building due to landlord's open ECB violation for working without a permit. Landlord wasn't excused from providing gas service to tenant while it resolved the permit issues.

Howal Management: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. VA410046RO (4/20/07) [4-pg. doc.]