Tenants Had No Gas Service for Two Months

On April 26, 2006, 41 tenants complained that gas service had been cut off to their building since April 11, 2006. A month later, the DRA sent tenants' complaint to landlord. Landlord claimed that the gas was out for only a few days, because of necessary plumbing work, and that it had been restored as of May 31. Various tenants responded that gas service was still out. Inspection conducted in August 2006 confirmed that gas had been restored, and the DRA ruled against tenants. Two tenants appealed, claiming that gas was cut off for over two months, from April 11, 2006 until June 23, 2006, when it was restored by Con Edison. They said that this created a hardship for tenants. The DHCR ruled for tenants. The DRA delayed its inspection because landlord falsely stated that gas service had been restored. Tenants who appealed were entitled to rent reductions for the two-month period during which they had no gas service.

Nichols/Irby: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. UI430018-RT & UJ430003-RT (2/9/07) [3-pg. doc.]