No Rent Restoration for Unsafe Stove Installation

Tenant complained of a reduction in services based on a defective stove and oven. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced her rent. Landlord later applied for rent restoration based on the restoration of services. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. DHCR inspection showed that the electric ignition to the oven was inoperative, the drawer under the stove didn't close as the gas line rested in the path of the drawer, and the stove and oven were powered by an extension cord because there was no wall outlet to connect the two electric cables for the stove and oven. The inspector's photograph showed that the extension cord was a general purpose cable, that the extension cord and appliance cable were wrapped around the gas line, and that the ground prongs of each of the two appliance cables were not seated in the extension cord outlet but were sticking out and away from the extension cord outlet. This electrical hookup presented a serious safety issue. The DHCR advised tenant to contact HPD's Office of Code Enforcement and the local utility company to investigate the stove installation.

Kings Village Properties: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. BV210023RO (10/24/14) [2-pg. doc.]