Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Tenant complained of a rent overcharge. The DRA ruled against tenant. Tenant appealed, arguing that landlord's claimed $97,000 improvement costs were excessive. The DHCR ruled against tenant. Landlord proved the cost of improvements made to the apartment before prior tenant moved in. The total cost included kitchen and bathroom renovation by a contractor for $78,400. The kitchen renovation included installation of all new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, new plumbing, ceramic tile floors, and a new refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and range. The renovation of the full and half bathrooms consisted of installation of marble floors and walls, a new bathtub, new shower doors, new vanities, medicine cabinets, toilets, and new plumbing. Landlord submitted sufficient documentation of the work done and wasn't required to get the cheapest possible cost for improvements.

Levene: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. RI410003RK (12/15/03) [3-pg. doc.]