What is a “service reduction” case?
Whether or not there has been an actual rent increase, tenants in properties with three or more units can file a petition seeking a decrease in rent based on an allegation of service reduction. This type of case only applies to a landlord’s failure to provide fundamental levels of service, such as adequate heating, basic plumbing, or vermin elimination. Routine maintenance problems, such as failure to repair a light fixture, can form the basis for a dispute resolution petition, but do not support a service reduction case. The details of the alleged service reduction must be described in the petition, along with several other special requirements. These details are available from the Dispute Resolution Program.