Landlord Nailed Window Shut to Correct Defective Window Lock

Tenants complained of reduced building-wide services. Among other things, tenants claimed that a laundry room window had a defective lock. This allowed intruders to enter the building. The DRA's first inspection showed that the window lock was defective; a second inspection showed that the window had been nailed shut. The DRA found a reduction in services, and reduced tenants' rents. Landlord appealed, and the DHCR ruled for landlord. Nailing the window shut wasn't a defect requiring correction. Tenants complained that the unlocked window permitted intruders, so nailing the window shut corrected that condition.

102-30 Queens Boulevard: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. FH 130169-RO (6/17/93) [6-page document]