Landlord Must Accept Online Rent Payments

Tenant complained that new landlord didn't send him a fully signed copy of the renewal lease he had signed with prior landlord shortly before the building was sold. Tenant also complained that landlord refused to accept online rent payments. The DRA ruled against tenant and dismissed the complaint because new landlord showed that it sent tenant a photocopy of the fully signed lease after the complaint was filed. The DRA also ruled that landlord didn't have to accept online rent payments. Tenant appealed. The DHCR ruled for tenant in part. The photocopy of the fully signed renewal lease was a valid substitute for the original. But the DRA was wrong to find that landlord could refuse online rent payments. This payment method was in no meaningful way different from use of a personal check, money order, or bank check.

Salsbury: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. TJ410010RT (12/7/05) [3-pg. doc.]