Engineering Fees and Sump Pump Cost Added to MCI Cost for Elevator Upgrade

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on elevator upgrading. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but disallowed certain costs associated with plans and specifications by engineering services, staircase patching and painting, elevator protection pads, and replacement of a sump pump. Landlord appealed and won, in part. The DHCR approved the engineering services as part of the MCI cost since the scope of the elevator work involved more complexity than a simple elevator upgrade. In addition the remodeling of the cab interior and the installation of new controllers and selectors, the work entailed the replacement of a traction hoist machine and hoist motor, hoist cables and governor ropes, complete rewiring of the elevator system, and installation of new electronic components. Landlord also showed that replacement of the sump pump at the base of the elevator shaft was needed to prevent water damage to the newly installed mechanical components of the elevator, and therefore the cost qualified as part of the MCI increase. The MCI rent hike was increased from $13.76 per room per month to $14.33 per room per month.

Samson Management LLC: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. ZG430032RO (6/2/17) [2-pg. doc.]