Tenant's Niece Can't Get Rent-Stabilized Apartment

Yonkers apartment occupant complained to the DHCR of a threatened improper eviction, and claimed succession rights to her deceased aunt's rent-stabilized apartment. The niece submitted copies of W-2 forms and federal tax returns listing the apartment as her address in 2010 - 2015. Tenant died in December 2015. The DRA ruled against the niece, finding that she didn't submit proof that she was a nontraditional family member. The niece appealed and lost. The niece didn't submit proof of an emotional and financial commitment and interdependence with tenant. The niece submitted only a family picture, 2011 tax return, W-2s, and a claim that she contributed $600 to the monthly rent and apartment expenses. There was no proof of any joint bank accounts, credit card accounts, or any shared common financial obligations or debts.

Mills: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ET910094RT (4/10/17) [5-pg. doc.]