Plaster and Painting Costs Properly Included in IAI Rent Increase

Rent-stabilized tenant complained of rent overcharge. The DRA ruled against tenant, finding no overcharge. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant argued that the DRA incorrectly included $2,000 in approved individual apartment improvement (IAI) rent increases for painting and plastering and that other claimed improvements weren’t made. But the DRA disallowed $1,220 in claimed IAI costs for installation of outlets, regrouting the bathroom, reglazing the bathtub, plumbing, and work on the apartment floors. Landlord otherwise submitted proof of extensive IAI installations in the kitchen and bathroom. The costs of painting and plastering were properly allowed since this work was necessary and was done in connection with other allowable IAIs. Landlord and tenant also had signed a letter in 2010 before tenant moved in where it was acknowledged that the apartment would be renovated. Prior tenant had lived in the apartment for 30 years. 

Hutchinson: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. EQ410072RT (10/20/16) [4-pg. doc.]