DHCR Can't Inspect IAIs Installed Before Base Rent Date

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of rent overcharge. The DRA ruled for tenant and ordered landlord to refund $1,980, with interest. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant claimed that there was insufficient evidence of the installation of individual apartment improvements (IAIs) to her apartment, there was a missing registration of a prior 2013 rent, and there was substantial indication of fraud by landlord. The DHCR found no fraud and therefore no reason to review pre-base date rent history. Landlord advised tenant that she was rent stabilized, not unregulated, and gave tenant a rent-stabilization rider. There was consistency between registered rents and rents listed on leases, and all rents were registered. Since the IAIs in question were installed prior to the base rent date, the DHCR couldn't inspect them. [Download PDF of decision here.]

Kassow: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. EX410047RT (6/30/17) [4-pg. doc.]