The division of Housing and Community Renewal improperly changed a policy relating to rent increases for building renovations in the middle of a case, a state appellate panel has ruled.

Justice Dianne Renwick (See Profile) wrote the opinion for the unanimous Appellate Division, First Department, panel in 20 Fifth Avenue v. DHCR, 109920/11. The opinion, handed down July 23, was joined by Justices Peter Tom (See Profile), Richard Andrias (See Profile) and Leland DeGrasse (See Profile).