Son Couldn't Prove Succession Rights

Rent-stabilized tenant’s son complained in 2013 that landlord refused to give him a renewal lease after tenant died that year. He claimed that he had lived in the apartment with tenant since 1971. Landlord pointed out that tenant had signed a renewal lease in 2013 and it wasn’t required to add the son’s signature to that renewal lease. Landlord also argued that the son provided insufficient proof of succession rights. The DRA ruled for landlord and dismissed the complaint. The son appealed and lost. The DRA had asked the son to submit various proof, such as tax forms, utility bills, a driver’s license, and bank statements, to show he lived in the apartment for at least two years before tenant died. The son failed to submit any records to the DRA, and the DHCR wouldn't consider documents that the son submitted for the first time on appeal.

Pelle: DHCR Adm. Rev Docket No. CU610008RT (3/16/15) [4-pg. doc.]