Landlord Can Change from Electrical Inclusion to Direct Metering

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to terminate rent inclusion of electricity and change from master metering to direct metering. The DRA ruled for landlord based on landlord's electricity rewiring proposal. Tenants appealed, claiming that landlord's rewiring proposal didn't provide for rewiring in their apartments. Tenants also claimed that the rent reduction schedule set forth in DHCR Operational Bulletin 2003-1 was outdated and didn't give tenants enough of a rent cut for this reduction in services.
The DHCR ruled against tenants. Landlord submitted a contract showing that electrical rewiring would include installation of new feeders from new risers to existing load centers in tenants' apartments. The rewiring would upgrade all wiring and conduits from the new main meter room to each apartment, and that it would sufficiently carry the load for various utilities and air conditioning for all apartments. Interior wiring within tenants' apartments isn't part of the work required by the DHCR. Regarding tenants' complaint about the rent reduction schedule, Operational Bulletin 2003-1 is the most current guideline available regarding electrical conversions.

230 Riverside Drive: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. UH430070RT (7/15/08) [3-pg. doc.]