Tenant Can Conduct Discovery Concerning IAIs with Counterclaim

LVT Number: #31182

Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant for nonpayment of rent. Tenant's monthly rent was $2,367, and tenant owed over $17,000 in back rent. Tenant claimed rent overcharge and asked the court for permission to conduct pre-trial questioning and document production from landlord concerning claimed individual apartment improvements (IAIs) made in 2014 while the unit was vacant. Tenant also claimed that there was proof of a fraudulent scheme to deregulate the apartment.