Landlord Used Unlicensed Contractors

(Decision submitted by Sherrie Taylor of the Lake Success law firm of Pennisi Daniels & Norelli, LLP, attorneys for the landlord.) Tenant complained of a rent overcharge. The DRA ruled against tenant, finding no rent overcharge. The DRA granted landlord a 1/40th rent increase of $745 based on individual apartment improvements costing over $29,000. Tenant appealed, claiming that the construction companies employed by landlord to do the work weren't licensed. The DHCR ruled against tenant. There was no requirement that landlord's contractors be licensed. Landlord fully documented the work done by invoices and canceled checks. So landlord proved that it paid the claimed costs.

Kempton: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. LF410105RT (1/15/98) [3-page document]