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rent increase because of washing machine? — Brooklynian

rent increase because of washing machine?

seven24
seven24
edited November -1 in Park Slope
Has any other apartment dwellers have to pay a rent increase because of a washing machine ,dryer or dishwasher. My landlord is charging me $11.00 for each. Am I being scammed? Can anyone suggest a website I can check?

Comments

  • sweet tea
    sweet tea
    Are electricity and water part of your rent, or do you pay them separately?
  • seven24
    seven24
    I pay all my own utilities.
  • ben
    ben
    you have a separate water meter for your apt? This would be very rare but could change things because I believe the charge is to offset for water usage.

    There is a provision to charge for washing machines and dishwashers in rent stabilized apts. Dryers I'm not sure about. There are standard rates that apply, $11 sounds about right for a washer, I think a dishwasher is around $6 but don't hold me to it.

    Best way to find out is to call 311 or DHCR, they'll be able to give you the specifics.
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    The question is: are you rent stabilized and if you're not has your lease expired?
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    I think that even if you are rent stabilized, the landlord is allowed to apply for an increase if s/he makes capital improvements. I'm not sure if new appliances qualifies, but it sounds like it's worth going over with a lawyer.
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    Correct. The landlord must apply with DHCR for the increase if the tenant is stabilized. However, if the tenant isn't stabilized but still has a valid lease, the tenant's rent cannot be raised while the lease is still in effect unless the lease has a stipulation/ryder saying otherwise. If the tenant isn't stabilized and has no lease then the landlord may do as he/she wishes.
  • stacey
    stacey
    I have a 2 family and we kept the tenants that were living there before we bought. They never had a washing machine or dryer. When they asked me if they could have one I said yes but I would have to add an additional $25 onto the rent. The reason was because of 1. an increased water bill and 2. I had to add flood insurance to my homeowners policy. The dryer they purchased is a gas dryer and they pay their own gas and electric.
  • nishi621
    nishi621
    A washer in your apartment is going to add to the landlord's water costs-seems only fair to me that they charge you more in rent. Also-I know there are problems with water damage and leaking with washing machines inside apartments-so, maybe he is thinking of the cost of that also. Same goes for the dishwasher.

    Seems a small price to pay to have your own washer and dryer and dishwasher though-I would just pay it and be happy.
  • ben
    ben
    The details of the appliance surcharge are in this article that was in the NYTimes a year ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/10/realestate/10home.html?ex=1143608400&en=b03a6dcee3c4e05d&ei=5070
  • seven24
    seven24
    Ben wrote: The details of the appliance surcharge are in this article that was in the NYTimes a year ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/10/realestate/10home.html?ex=1143608400&en=b03a6dcee3c4e05d&ei=5070
    I would like to thank all that replied to my thread. When the world gets to me I sometimes wonder if there are any decent human left, I guess there are a few.
    Special thanks to
    Ben who helped the best :D
  • ben
    ben
    Glad I could help!
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