Peeling Paint in Basement

Tenants complained of reduced services. The DRA reduced tenants' rents, based on peeling paint and plaster on the bulkhead and basement walls. Landlord appealed, claiming that this didn't warrant a rent cut. The DRA reopened the case and revoked the rent cut. Tenants then appealed, and the DHCR reinstated the rent cuts. The basement laundry room in the building was a required service. So, the area surrounding the laundry room is a public area that landlord must maintain. Peeling paint and plaster here is a reduction in services, which warrants a rent cut.

Rodriguez: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. FI 130494-RT (4/22/93) [5-page document]