Cukor v. Wiener

PER CURIAM. This case was submitted on the following agreed statement of facts, viz.: “(1) That plaintiffs were and are the owners of the premises herein, and that defendant was a tenant therein at a monthly rental of $29, due and payable [250] monthly In advance on the 1st day of each and every month. (2) That on and about the 1st day of September, 1907, the plaintiffs failed to supply hot water in defendant’s apartments, and that there were and are hot water apparatus- and pipes in said building under the control of the plaintiffs. (3) That the-1st and 2d days of September,-1907, were Sunday and Labor Day, respectively. (4) That defendant vacated and delivered possession of premises on September 3, 1907.” - The complaint sets forth a cause of action for the September rent. The answer does not deny nonpayment of the rent, but sets up the-defense of a constructive eviction by reason of plaintiff’s neglect to-supply hot water. The justice found for plaintiffs. Defendant appeals. From the very meager statement" of facts it is impossible to say how long the hot-water supply was cut off, unless it' be for one day— i. e., September 1st; nor does it appear to what extent, if any, defendant was disturbed thereby in his quiet enjoyment of the premises, or whether he was justified in abandoning the premises, or whether or not there was any express agreement as to hot water supply. The appellant relies on the case of Jackson v. Paterno (Sup.) 108 N. Y. Supp. 1073; but the agreed statement of facts herein does not bring" this case within that authority. There is nothing to show that plaintiff agreed to furnish hot - water. In the Paterno Case, which was not involving hot-water supply, but heat, it appeared that the only means of heating the apartments was by the pipes, which were under the exclusive control of the landlord. Moreover, the conditions that the tenant construes as an eviction existed on and after September 1st,, when the rent was due, and, even if a constructive eviction was proved, that would be no defense. Gugel v. Isaacs, 21 App. Div. 504, 48 N. Y. Supp. 594. Upon the evidence submitted the justice seems to' have been warranted in deciding for plaintiffs, as defendant does not appear to have made out his defense of constructive eviction. The judgment should be affirmed, with costs.