Landlord Must Give Tenant Renewal Lease

Rent-stabilized tenant complained that landlord failed to renew his lease. The DRA ruled for tenant and ordered landlord to give him a renewal lease after landlord filed no answer to tenant's complaint. Landlord appealed and lost. Landlord argued that tenant wasn't entitled to a renewal lease because he didn't pay late fees, water fees, or additional security deposit in accordance with the renewal lease. Tenant also kept additional occupants, a washing machine, and a dog in violation of his lease. The DHCR noted that, since landlord didn't answer tenant's complaint, the DRA properly ruled for tenant. Landlord couldn't raise new issues on appeal. And landlord presented no reason for nonrenewal of tenant's lease. Landlord's claims were grounds for filing a court action based on lease violation but weren't grounds to refuse giving tenant a rent-stabilized renewal lease.

Cordero: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. IO110052RO (10/6/20) [2-pg. doc.]