Landlord Can Replace Gas Stoves with Electric Stoves

The DRA granted landlord's application to modify building services by replacing existing gas stoves with electric stoves. The DRA determined that tenants shouldn't be burdened with the installation cost of the electric stoves but would be responsible to pay the utility company directly for the cost of electricity in connection with the new stoves. One rent-stabilized tenant appealed and lost. She was the sole tenant of the six-unit building who refused to accept an electric stove. The DHCR noted that DOB had issued work permits for the stove replacements, there had been a gas leak at the building at one point, and there was no proof that tenant's electricity bill would increase. Still, landlord had issued tenant a credit for her December 2016 electric bill plus one month's rent.

Negron: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FS210012RT (9/10/18) [4-pg. doc.]