Tenants Denied Access to Backyard

Tenants complained of a reduction in services after landlord installed a lock on the door leading to the building's backyard. The DHCR ruled for tenants. Landlord appealed, claiming that the lock was needed for safety and security reasons. The court ruled against landlord. Nothing prevented landlord from providing two-way access with keys for tenants to the door that was now locked. The DHCR's decision finding a reduction in services was reasonable.

6 Square v. DHCR: Index No. 102129/00 (Sup. Ct. NY 7/31/00; DeGrasse, J) [10-pg. doc.]