A/C Grills Installed with Facade Work Not Eligible for MCI Rent Hikes

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on building facade work consisting of pointing, waterproofing, masonry replacement, power washing, window lintels/sills, and scaffolding. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but denied any increase for air conditioner grills and architectural services that were deemed ineligible.

Landlord appealed and lost. The air conditioning grills here weren't necessary to complete the facade work. The grills, attached to the air conditioner units, didn't improve, restore, or preserve the quality of the structure. Landlord's claim that the prior, eroded grills risked water infiltration wasn't sufficient to characterize their replacement as other "necessary work." Even if the grill work was needed to obtain certification of Local Law 11 facade law compliance from DOB, this didn't mean the work was MCI-eligible. 

LeFrance Leasing LP: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. FU110016RO (8/27/20) [2-pg. doc.]