Accessibility Lift Qualifies as an MCI

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on installation of a number of improvements. The DRA granted landlord's application based on installation of lobby doors and exterior service doors, but denied any rent increase for entrance doors of lobby apartments, an accessibility lift, and plans/specifications. Landlord appealed and won, in part. The accessibility lift qualified as an MCI under the DHCR's established policy, and landlord submitted documentation proving its cost. But lobby renovation work related to completion of the accessibility lift installation didn't qualify. The lobby renovation was contemplated and performed as an independent project from the lift installation. The fact that the work was done contemporaneously with a qualifying MCI didn't necessarily make that work an MCI. 

317 West 89 Street LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. YL430028RO (2/11/22)[2-pg. document]