Concrete Ramps and Area Surveys Necessary Related Work for Garage MCI

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on improvements to a garage roof. The DRA ruled for landlord in part. Landlord appealed and won, in part. Landlord claimed that the DRA improperly disallowed costs for concrete inspections, laboratory tests, temporary light fixtures, professional services, drawings, and the removal, cleaning, and reinstallation of the louver. The DHCR found that the two concrete ramps qualified for an MCI increase as other necessary work done in connection with and directly related to the roof replacement of the underground garage and surface parking lot. Area surveys of the driveway and design of the driveway slope were necessary professional fees, and the underground garage roof replacement was complex enough to require professional expertise. But the costs for temporary light fixtures were properly disallowed because the lights were only temporarily provided during construction. The invoice for that work also identified it as done in connection with a different building in the apartment complex. The removal, cleaning, and reinstallation of the louver was ordinary repair and maintenance work. 

Copenhagen Leasing, LP: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. EW110050RO, EW110015RT, EW110004RT (8/10/17) [5-pg. doc.]