My Condo Has No Gas. Can I Get a Discount?

Abstract

Because of a gas leak, Con Edison shut off gas to the building, so residents can no longer use their gas ranges or gas dryers. The board supplied each unit with a hot plate and has given us discounts on wash and dry through the building valet. Is this not a reduction in service? Shouldn't we get some sort of concession for the inconvenience? A: Until Con Edison is certain that the leak has been repaired, it will not restore gas to your building. If it weren't, you would have the law behind you: The New York State Multiple Dwelling Law requires every building owner to provide residents with gas or electricity for cooking. As for financial remedies to lessen the inconvenience of life without gas, tenants in rental buildings can request rent abatements on the grounds that their basic services have been diminished. "You are an owner and you are proportionally responsible for your share." You might want to use this opportunity to consider switching your appliances from gas to electric, a process that would involve capping your gas line and may require the advice of an electrician and input from your condo board. It would get your apartment up and running again, and would be in line with the city's long-term goal to move away from gas dependency.