Landlord Didn't Submit Breakdown of Improvements

Tenant complained of a rent overcharge. Landlord claimed that it had made apartment improvements costing $5,600 before tenant moved in. The DRA ruled for tenant, finding a $25,000 overcharge. The DRA found that landlord hadn't proved the cost of improvements. Landlord appealed and lost. Although requested, landlord never provided a breakdown of the costs of the alleged improvements. Landlord's 1988 rent registration, showing two $70 increases for kitchen and bathroom improvements, wasn't specific enough and wasn't backed up with any independent documents. Also, the checks landlord submitted specified neither the apartment for which they were payment nor the type of work. While landlord did submit a signed contract agreement, some of the work listed was for repairs, not improvements. The additional checks submitted with landlord's PAR were submitted too late and, in any event, didn't show for which apartment what work was done. They also didn't match any invoice or work agreement.

Park Towers South Co.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. ED410058RO (7/28/95) [7-page document]