Landlord Must Pay Triple Damages

Mount Vernon tenant complained of a rent overcharge. The DRA ruled for tenant, found that the overcharge was willful, and charged landlord triple damages. Landlord appealed, pointing out that prior landlord had refunded at least part of the overcharge to tenant with interest. The DHCR denied landlord's PAR. The fact that prior owner refunded all or part of an overcharge after the DRA's order was issued didn't negate the fact that the overcharge was willful.

KJMJ Realty Corp.: DHCR Admin. Rev. Dckt. No. EK 810268 RO (3/9/93) [3-page document]