New Wood Parquet Floor

Tenant's rent was over $2,000 per month when he moved in, and landlord notified him that the apartment was no longer subject to rent stabilization because of the high rent. Tenant complained to the DHCR that landlord hadn't justified a rent increase from the prior rent sufficient to deregulate the apartment. The DRA ruled against tenant, and tenant appealed. Among other things, tenant claimed that landlord shouldn't get a 1/40th rent increase for a new wood parquet floor because no subflooring was installed and other apartments in the building had these floors. The DHCR ruled against tenant. An inspection showed that new flooring was installed and it was in very good condition. Landlord also submitted an invoice and canceled check documenting the work. Landlord was entitled to a rent increase for this work, even if no subflooring was installed and even if other apartments in the building also had this type of flooring.

DHCR Admin. Rev. Dckt. No. PL410048RT (9/19/02) [6-pg. doc.]