Letter from Community Organization Was Prior Notice

Tenants complained of a reduction in services based on cracks in apartment walls. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent. Landlord appealed, claiming it didn't receive proper advance notice before tenant filed her complaint. The Rent Stabilization Code requires tenants to send landlords a letter requesting repairs between 10 and 60 days before filing a complaint based on reduction in services. The DHCR ruled against landlord. During the time period required by the Code for the preliminary notice, the Queens Community Civic Corporation (QCCC) submitted complaints to landlord on behalf of 55 tenants, including tenant in this case. Each complaint form was signed by all 55 tenants. Attached to each complaint was a form called "General Complaint Form," which contained a checklist of problems. Tenant checked various boxes and signed the form. The forms were sent by certified letter to the building's registered managing agent, and an agent of the building owners. The managing agent's address also was the address registered with the DHCR for the owner.

Garden Leasing Limited Liability: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. VL110015RO (3/14/08)[4-pg. doc.]