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.

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1. What services are available through the Rental Dispute Program?
2. What kinds of rental disputes are subject to the mediation and arbitration procedures; what kinds of disputes are not covered?
3. Is there any charge for any of the program services?
4. Which rental properties are subject to rent control?
5. What kinds of rent increases can be disputed in rent control properties?
6. What are the "pass-through" formulas ?
7. What are the applicable twelve month periods used to calculate pass-through formulas?
8. What are the applicable twelve month periods used to calculate pass-through formulas?
9. When calculating the pass-through formula for increased operation costs, what is the difference between operating expenses, capital improvements and rehabilitation expenses?
10. What information must be included in a notice of rent increase?
11. How many tenants must join in a rental increase case, and how can I find out how many other tenants received a notice of rent increase?
12. What rental amount does a tenant pay while a case is pending over a rental increase?
13. What is a "service reduction" case?
14. Are tenants protected against retaliation?
15. How do I get more information?