Landlord Must Add Rent-Stabilized Tenant's Husband to Renewal Lease as Co-Tenant

Rent-stabilized tenant filed a lease violation complaint with the DHCR, claiming that landlord refused to add her spouse's name to her renewal lease. Tenant pointed out that she was disabled and her husband was her caregiver, and submitted a copy of her marriage certificate. The DRA ruled for tenant based on landlord's failure to respond to notice of the complaint.

Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord claimed that its due process rights were violated because it never received the notice of tenant's complaint. The DHCR ruled against landlord. The DRA served the complaint on landlord at the mailing address on file with the DHCR in rent registrations. Landlord hadn't informed the DHCR of any change in address. Tenant's complaint was properly served on landlord, and there was no reason the reopen the case.

Hunters Point South Borden Housing Development: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. JV110054RO (2/15/22)[2-pg. document]