Landlord Needn't Add Name of Tenant's Domestic Partner

Tenant complained that landlord wouldn't add his domestic partner's name to tenant's rent-stabilized renewal lease. The DRA ruled against tenant and dismissed the complaint. Tenant appealed and lost. The Rent Stabilization Code only requires landlords to add a ''spouse'' to a renewal lease if tenant requests it. The definition of ''spouse'' includes only a husband or wife. It does not include a domestic partner. If landlord agreed to add the domestic partner's name to the renewal lease, landlord could collect a vacancy increase for a new tenancy.

Zagrosik: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. SI410003RP (3/15/05) [2-pg. doc.]