Landlord Offers AmEx Rent Payment Program to Tenants

Landlord wanted to offer rent-stabilized tenants the option of paying rent by American Express credit card. Landlord asked the DHCR if this was allowed and whether this system would become a required service if offered. In an opinion letter, the DHCR said there was no bar under rent stabilization to tenants' voluntary participation in landlord's proposed AmEx payment system. The DHCR views such an arrangement as an accommodation to tenants, not a required service. But landlord must give rent receipts to tenants. The DHCR noted, without providing further opinion, that landlord didn't mention whether there would be a bank charge for this payment method and who would pay for the charge.

DHCR Opin. Ltr. Michael B. Rosenblatt (6/13/06) [3-pg. doc.)