Landlord Proved Improvement Costs with Statements of Disbursements and Bills

Tenant filed a fair market rent appeal. The DRA set the rent at $223.84, using the special fair market rent guidelines. Landlord appealed, arguing that the DRA hadn't allowed rent hikes for vacancy improvements landlord had made to the apartment. Landlord stated that it couldn't get copies of cancelled checks showing it had paid for the improvements because the prior managing agent was no longer in business. But landlord did submit copies of the check disbursement sheets and the paid bills. The DHCR allowed most of the vacancy improvement costs claimed by landlord, and raised the rent to $458.14. Landlord's documentation, which included disbursement sheets and some contractor's bills itemizing the work done, proved the cost of the improvements.

Seabroad Holding Co.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. IB 410045-RO (12/21/94) [5-page document]