Building Substantially Rehabilitated by Prior Landlord

Landlord bought a building in 2004 and asked the DHCR to rule on whether the building was exempt from rent stabilization due to a substantial rehabilitation completed in 1998 by prior landlord. The DRA ruled for landlord based on documents that landlord submitted. Tenant appealed and lost. In 1997, the HPD had issued a vacate order. This proved that the building was in substandard or seriously deteriorated condition. Landlord also replaced at least 75 percent of building-wide or apartment systems. DOB records showed that at least 12 of the 15 systems had been replaced. A licensed engineer hired by landlord also stated that the building had been substantially rehabilitated.

Rowe: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. UG210030RT 9/1/06 [4-pg. doc.]