Landlord Replacing Gas Stoves with Electric Stoves

Landlord asked the DRA for permission to modify services by converting gas stoves and risers to electric stoves and risers and to upgrade the building's electrical service. The DRA ruled for landlord and reduced tenants' rents. Both landlord and tenants appealed. Landlord claimed there was no reduction in services warranting rent reductions. Tenants claimed that it was unnecessary to replace the stoves and that it would cost them more money to operate the electric stoves. The DHCR ruled for landlord. Since tenants had always paid for the cost of gas and electricity, there was no reason to reduce their rents based on a change from gas-fueled stoves to electric ones. And tenants would still receive the required service of stoves.

Colb & Assocs./Various Tenants: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. Nos. MC430111RO, MB430117RT et al. (11/25/98) [3-pg. doc.]