Landlord Transferred Cost of Heat and Hot Water Service to Tenant

Tenant complained in 2017 that landlord failed to provide heat and hot water because it had converted the central boiler/hot water system to individual apartment-based heat/hot water systems in 2016. Landlord did so unilaterally and transferred the costs of providing heat and hot water to tenant. The DRA ruled for tenant and reduced his rent. Landlord later applied for rent restoration based on restoration of services. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. The DRA properly denied landlord's rent restoration application. Landlord submitted no sufficient proof to substantiate its claim that it was paying the costs for the heat in tenant's apartment. Landlord's OR application also didn't indicate that it resumed paying for the costs of hot water. 

Silverline Homes Inc.: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. JW110001RO (4/15/22)[3-pg. document]