Landlord Removed Locks to Community Bathrooms

Women tenants complained of reduced building-wide services, claiming that landlord had removed the locks from the community bathroom doors. Tenants argued that removing the door locks compromised their privacy and safety because men were using bathrooms designated for women only. A DHCR inspector conducted three inspections, and found that locks were missing from community bathroom doors on several floors. The DRA cut the rent, and landlord appealed. Landlord argued that high tenant turnover made it too expensive to maintain the locks. The DHCR ruled for tenants. The locks are a required service, and landlord must apply for the DHCR's permission before removing them.

Fleck Croasmun Partners: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. GC 430257-RO (9/7/94) [12-page document]