Landlord Must Provide Cold Water

Tenant complained of reduced services. She claimed there was no cold water running through her kitchen faucet. An inspection showed that tenant got only warm water in her kitchen. The DRA ordered landlord to correct this condition, and cut tenant's rent. Landlord appealed, claiming that cold water wasn't a required service. Landlord argued that this was a sporadic condition, and that it isn't required to keep cold water at a certain temperature. The DHCR ruled against landlord. The lack of cold water in an apartment is a rent-reducing service item requiring landlord's immediate attention.

Sulzberger-Rolfe: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. FJ 410194-RO (10/14/93) [3-page document]