Rent Not Restored Due to Recurring Leak

Tenant complained of a reduction in services. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent based on water damage to tenant's kitchen ceiling and cabinets. Landlord later sought rent restoration based on the restoration of services. The DRA ruled against landlord. Landlord appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that repairs weren't done properly. The DHCR inspection showed that the ceiling above the wall cabinets was stained and bulged. Landlord claimed that these were new conditions, but the inspector found that the repairs were done in an unworkmanlike manner. In addition, if this was a recurring condition, the water leak that caused the damage hadn't been properly repaired.

Dorchester, LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. VL710002RO (3/6/08) [2-pg. doc.]