Tenant's Claim That Landlord Forged Renewal Lease Dismissed

In December 2021, tenant filed a lease violation complaint with the DHCR, claiming that landlord failed to give her a fully executed copy of a rent-stabilized renewal lease she signed for the renewal term commencing on Dec. 1, 2021. In response, landlord submitted a copy of the fully executed renewal lease that it had signed. Tenant then filed a second complaint in October 2022, claiming that landlord failed to offer her a renewal lease in 2022. In response, landlord submitted a copy of a fully executed renewal lease for the renewal term extending from Dec. 1, 2022, through Nov. 30, 2023. Tenant then claimed that this lease was forged. Tenant also submitted a copy of a fully executed renewal lease dated Feb. 6, 2023, with the December 2022 date changed to June 1, 2023, and the end date changed to May 31, 2025. The rent amount wasn't altered from the renewal lease landlord had submitted. The DRA ruled that the matter was resolved.

Tenant appealed and lost, claiming harassment by landlord. The DHCR ruled against tenant, finding that the lease renewal issues had been resolved. Any claim of fraud was irrelevant since the lease tenant claimed was forged never took effect.

White: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. LS210005RT (9/5/23)[2-pg. document]