We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
MCI Rent Hike Granted for Building-Wide Carpet Installation
Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on building-wide carpet installation. The DRA ruled for landlord, and tenants appealed. Tenants argued that carpet was previously installed in 1995 and that the replaced carpet hadn’t outlived its useful life. But landlord had received no prior MCI rent hike for building-wide carpet installation. So the useful life of the pre-existing carpet didn’t matter.
Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on building-wide installation of new windows. The DHCR ruled for landlord. One tenant filed an Article 78 appeal, claiming that the DHCR’s decision was unreasonable because she had refused to grant landlord access to install new windows. The court and appeals court ruled against tenant.
Landlord’s Negligence: Landlord Not Responsible for Shooting of Two Tenants in Vestibule
Tenant and the family of another tenant sued landlord for negligence after they were shot in the building’s public vestibule. One of the tenants died. Landlord asked the court to dismiss the case without a trial, claiming that it had no duty to protect tenants. The court ruled against landlord, who appealed and won.
Alterations to Apartments: Landlord Can Evict Tenants If They Don’t Remove Washing Machine
Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenants for keeping and using a washing machine in their apartment, in violation of their lease. Landlord and tenants, each represented by attorneys, signed a settlement agreement in court calling for the issuance of an eviction warrant but delaying execution on the warrant to give tenants the chance to cure by removing the washing machine within 10 days.
Discrimination: Court Revokes Damages Awarded to Disabled Tenant
Disabled tenant complained to the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that landlord failed to provide a reasonable accommodation, in violation of the city’s Human Rights Law. Tenant was permanently wheelchair-bound following a car accident. She lived in a first-floor apartment in Astoria. Her husband or someone else had to carry her up and down the five stairs between the first floor and the building lobby whenever she went in and out.
Court Dismisses Roommate’s Claim of Illusory Tenancy
Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant for nonprimary residence. Landlord claimed that tenant lived and worked in Switzerland, and that she had sublet the apartment to an occupant without landlord’s permission. The trial court ruled for landlord. Tenant admitted that she no longer lived in the apartment as her primary residence. Occupant claimed that there was an illusory tenancy and that she was entitled to remain as a rent-stabilized tenant.
Landlord’s Negligence: Landlord Not Responsible for Scalding Shower Water
Tenant sued landlord and its heating service provider following injuries suffered when she was scalded by hot water when showering. Both landlord and the heating service provider asked the court to dismiss the case without a trial. The court dismissed the case against the heating service provider but not against landlord. Landlord appealed and won. Landlord showed that the building’s boiler system was regularly inspected, and there was no prior notice of fluctuating water temperatures.
DOS Violations: Religious Holiday Observance Doesn't Excuse Placing Trash Cans Out Too Early
DOS issued a violation notice to landlord for placing trash cans out too early for the following day’s collection. Landlord opposed the violation, but the ALJ fined him $100. Landlord appealed and lost. The violation stated that the cans were on the curb one hour and 27 minutes before the proper time, which was 12 hours before pickup. Landlord claimed for the first time on appeal that observance of a religious holiday prevented him from placing the cans out at the proper time.
Fire Department Violations: Landlord Proves Sprinkler System Flow Test Was Timely
The Fire Department issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to arrange for a performance flow test of the building’s residential sprinkler system in the presence of a Fire Department representative. Landlord claimed that the sprinkler system had been tested by the violation date. The Fire Department noted that the building had two sprinkler system accounts and therefore must have two sprinkler systems. Landlord claimed that there was only one sprinkler system.
Rent Reduction Denied: No Rent Reduction Where Elevators in Service on Inspection Date
Tenant complained of a reduction in building-wide services. She claimed that there was limited or no elevator service at the building. The DRA ruled against tenant after inspection showed that the two building elevators were working. Tenant appealed and lost. She argued that the elevators had been out of service or in limited service for over five months and that there should be a rent reduction for this period. Tenant filed her complaint on March 24, 2014.
RSS