In the Matter of Oscar Cintron v. Judith A. Calogero, as Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community…

Summary

The Court held that, for rent‑overcharge claims, DHCR must honor rent‑reduction orders that were issued before the four‑year look‑back period but remained in effect during that period, and therefore reversed the Appellate Division’s order and remanded for further proceedings. The decision rests on a harmonized reading of the Rent Stabilization Law’s limitation period and the continuing‑obligation provision. Judge Smith dissented, arguing that the statute’s clear language bars consideration of any rental history beyond four years and would have affirmed the lower court.