"Sure, the landlord had spent the money, but the tenant argued that they had every reason to believe the building was up to code when they moved in," he said.

The tenant argued that when he sat at his kitchen window he was confronted with a courtyard laced with pigeon droppings.

The tenants had argued that once an owner had recovered his costs, the rent increases should be nullified.

The tenants had argued that once landlords recover the costs of a capital improvement the increases allowed to pay for it should be removed.

He said the tenant could argue that the co-op should have negotiated for cable services on a nondiscriminatory basis, just as it had been doing for 20 years.

Under those circumstances, Mr. Schatsky said, the tenant can argue that the landlord has waived his or her right to an adjustment.

Many tenants argue that the moratorium must be extended if low- and middle-income housing is to be preserved.

Another tenant, a man named Michael Nix, was arguing with a woman.

These tenants argue that it is impossible for them to make a sound decision regarding the purchase of their apartments since they do not know their true rents.

Many tenants in illegal apartments argue that a strict interpretation of the rules prevents many habitable spaces from being used.