Landlord Can't Add Renter's Insurance Provision to Renewal Lease

Rent-stabilized tenant complained that landlord didn't offer her a proper renewal lease. The DRA ruled for tenant, finding that landlord failed to offer her a timely renewal lease on the same terms and conditions as the expiring lease. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord had added a provision to the renewal lease entitled "Tenant Acknowledgment," which stated that "if full coverage of any personal items is wanted, they should attain renters insurance." Landlord argued that this clause was meant to be informative and didn't alter the lease's terms or conditions. The DHCR disagreed, finding that the additional clause violated Rent Stabilization Code Section 2522.5(g)(1).

Kourkoumelis: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. AW110020RO (4/19/13) [2-pg. doc.]