At the Board's September 23rd meeting a public hearing was held on proposed regulations that provide some remedies for construction related problems. The regulations also address the loss of housing services caused by the construction. Tenants' inconveniences due to necessary repairs or maintenance that are performed in a reasonable manner to existing amenities are not eligible for the construction decrease remedy. These regulations are similar to the existing decrease regulations for loss of amenities or housing services. However, a significant difference between the two decrease petitions is that the construction rent decrease may be effective when the problems first occur if notice of a potential decrease petition has been given.
Mediation is another important and successful component to the decrease process.
Board staff may begin mediation sessions prior to a petition being filed. In a majority of situations, mediation resolves issues and no petition needs to be filed. If you live in a building undergoing substantial construction, call the Rent Board office and speak with an information coordinator who will help determine if these new regulations are applicable to your situation. Avoiding the Congested Streets Help yourself have a less hassled trip across town. Avoid the streets with sewer repairs, street improvements or curb repairs.