Rent Hike for New Refrigerator Okayed

First rent-stabilized tenant filed a fair market rent appeal. The DRA ruled against tenant, finding that the initial $800 rent charged didn't exceed the fair market rent. Tenant appealed, claiming that landlord wasn't entitled to a 1/40th rent increase for the new refrigerator installed in tenant's apartment when she moved in. The DHCR ruled against tenant. Tenant claimed that prior tenant removed the old refrigerator but submitted no proof. Tenant's lease stated that landlord would install a replacement refrigerator in tenant's apartment if needed. Tenant chose instead to buy a new refrigerator. Landlord reimbursed tenant for the purchase and then added 1/40th of the cost of the new appliance to tenant's monthly rent. This was proper.

Leigh: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. FE510231RT (4/11/96) [3-page document]