Landlord Can Replace Gas Stoves with Electric Stoves Without Reducing Rents

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to modify services of rent-stabilized tenants by replacing gas stoves with electric stoves. The DRA ruled for landlord. Tenant appealed and argued that the conversion wasn't necessary and would result in higher utility costs for tenants. The DHCR ruled against tenant. Landlord wasn't required to show that replacement of the stoves was needed for operation of the building. Also, it was established DHCR policy that, since tenants paid for cooking fuel separate from their rent, the service that landlord was required to provide was cooking facilities for tenants, not the fuel. By replacing gas-burning stoves with electric stoves, landlord still provided the required cooking facilities, and there was no decrease in services. So, no rent reduction was warranted for the change in services.

Steinberg: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. GR430045RT (7/18/19) [2-pg. doc.]