Landlord Proved Improvement Costs

(Decision submitted by Nativ Winiarsky of the Manhattan law firm of Kucker Kraus & Bruh, LLP, attorneys for the landlord.) Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant for nonpayment of rent. Tenant claimed a rent overcharge since his rent was $1,500 per month and the prior tenant's rent was $540 per month. Landlord presented proof that it spent over $35,000 on apartment improvements before tenant moved into the apartment. The court ruled for landlord, finding that landlord proved the cost of improvements and so could charge a 1/40th increase.

30 West 70th Street v. Sylvor: Index No. 120837/96 (2/27/98) (Civ. Ct. NY; Malatzky, J) [1-page document]