Replacement of Terrace Tiles with Tar Paper

Tenant complained of reduced services. Landlord had removed terra-cotta tiles from a terrace outside tenant's apartment and had replaced them with tar paper. The DRA ruled against tenant. Tenant appealed and lost. There was no door from tenant's apartment to the terrace, and it wasn't part of her apartment. Landlord did let her leave plants there. Landlord had removed the tiles to lower the floor level of the terrace because it caused leaks into tenant's apartment when it rained. The tiles were, at best, a minor service to tenant, and no rent reduction was warranted.

Roberts: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. OA410044RT (6/23/00) [2-pg. doc.]