Estimate and Invoice Prove Costs

Tenant complained of a rent overcharge. The DRA ruled against tenant. The lawful rent for the apartment was over $2,000 per month when tenant moved in, so it was no longer subject to rent stabilization. The DRA included an apartment improvement rent increase of $680 in its calculation of the rent. Tenant appealed and questioned some of landlord's claimed costs. He claimed that landlord didn't submit an itemized bill for the construction work claimed. The DHCR ruled against tenant. Landlord submitted an estimate and later an invoice for the work done by the construction company it hired. The estimate and invoice sufficiently described the work done, and it wasn't necessary for landlord to submit a bill itemizing the cost of each particular item claimed. Also, tenant didn't deny that the work was done.

Banks: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. QH410065RT (10/17/02) [2-pg. doc.]