Tenant's 'Goddaughter' Can't Get Apartment

September 30, 2006

LVT Number: 19137

Rent-stabilized tenant complained to the DHCR that she should be rent controlled. Tenant claimed that she lived with prior rent-controlled tenant for six years and that she was prior tenant's goddaughter. Landlord let tenant stay in the apartment after prior tenant had moved out, on the condition that tenant sign a rent-stabilized lease. The DRA ruled against tenant. She appealed and lost. Tenant didn't prove emotional and financial interdependence with prior tenant. The fact that they shared utility expenses and a joint checking account was not enough.

Rent-stabilized tenant complained to the DHCR that she should be rent controlled. Tenant claimed that she lived with prior rent-controlled tenant for six years and that she was prior tenant's goddaughter. Landlord let tenant stay in the apartment after prior tenant had moved out, on the condition that tenant sign a rent-stabilized lease. The DRA ruled against tenant. She appealed and lost. Tenant didn't prove emotional and financial interdependence with prior tenant. The fact that they shared utility expenses and a joint checking account was not enough. Also, prior tenant had signed a sworn statement that tenant wasn't her goddaughter and that ''we are not family and have never been family.''

Azare: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. TK420033RT 8/18/06 [8-pg. doc.]

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