Building Shell Can Be Left Intact

Landlord wanted to apply to the DHCR for permission to refuse to renew tenants' leases, based on a planned demolition of the building. Landlord asked the DHCR whether it would grant a demolition application if the building wasn't completely demolished, but instead landlord left the outer walls intact and gutted the interior. In an opinion letter, the DHCR said yes. As stated in DHCR Operational Bulletin 96-1, the DHCR will grant a demolition application if the owner leaves the four outer walls and structural supports of the building intact and guts the entire interior of the building.

DHCR Opin. Ltr. by Charles Goldstein (5/4/98) [1-pg. doc.]