Landlord Fined for Not Giving Choice of Lease Terms

Tenant complained that landlord didn't offer her the option of a one- or two-year lease when she moved into rent-stabilized apartment. The DRA ruled for tenant and fined landlord $250. Landlord appealed, claiming that tenant signed an RTP-25 form when she moved in, indicating that she selected a one-year lease. The DHCR ruled against landlord. The RTP-25 form is a notice to tenant indicating the legal regulated rent for a vacant apartment. The form notifies tenant of the previous rent and indicates how the initial rent was set. The form isn't used as a method of offering tenant a choice of lease terms.

Mott: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. GG710053RO (10/27/98) [5-pg. doc.]