Installation of New Wood Floor with Subflooring

Tenant complained of a rent overcharge. The DRA ruled for tenant, and landlord appealed. The DRA had allowed some rent increase for individual apartment improvements to tenant's apartment. But the DRA disallowed any increase for new flooring. Landlord appealed. Landlord had submitted proof that it installed a new wood floor, including subflooring, in tenant's apartment before he moved in. Landlord also scraped, sealed, stained, and applied two coats of polyurethane to the floor. The total cost of the work was $4,250. The DHCR ruled for landlord. Landlord was entitled to a 1/40th rent increase for this work. After recalculation, there was no overcharge.

Merit Mgmt. Co.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. MA410020RO (2/2/01) [2-pg. doc.]