Landlord Can Switch Apartment Stoves from Gas to Electric

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to change rent-controlled tenants' essential services by substituting electric stoves for existing gas-burning stoves. The DRA ruled for landlord on condition that landlord reduce tenants' rents by $10 per month. Tenant appealed and lost. Tenant didn't object to the electric service but claimed that landlord discontinued the gas service before getting DHCR permission to switch to electric. But that didn't affect approval of the service substitution. In a separate proceeding, the DHCR had reduced tenant's rent based on discontinuation of the gas service. The rent would remain reduced until landlord filed, and the DHCR approved, an application to restore rent.

230 West 97th Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. YD430079RT (6/20/12) [2-pg. doc.]