Landlord Gives Tenants Two Keys Under New Key Card System

Tenants complained of a reduction in building-wide services because landlord refused to give them extra keys without charging a fee under a new key card system. The DRA ruled against tenants. Tenants appealed, claiming that they couldn't duplicate keys under the new system and that, if landlord gave extra keys, it charged $25 apiece. The DHCR ruled against tenants. Landlord gave each tenant two keys under the new card system. In general, this was sufficient. If any individual apartment had more than two adult residents or a child over 10, and were denied another free key, tenant could file an individual reduction in services complaint. If landlord unreasonably denied an additional key for a fee for a nonresident who regularly visited the building, such as a babysitter or health care worker, tenant could also file a complaint.

Kings County Tenants Coalition, Inc.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. UK230059RT (5/4/07) [2-pg. doc.]