Hallway Construction and Repair Work Qualified

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on building-wide rewiring. The DRA ruled for landlord in part, excluding any increase for engineering/architectural fees, hallway construction and painting, and hallway carpeting. Landlord appealed and won in part. The DRA properly excluded engineering and architectural fees since landlord employed a licensed professional contractor and didn't show that other supervision was needed. Landlord submitted no proof that the work was subject to approval by the Landmarks Commission, as claimed. Some of the other work done was related to and needed in connection with the MCI. The DHCR approved additional rent increases for shaftway construction, hallway construction, firestop construction, painting, wall covering, plaster repairs, access doors, and mini-soffits. Tenant also appealed the DRA's decision because the rewiring was done in connection with conversion from master metering to submetering. But this wasn't a reason to deny the MCI rent hike.

240 Central Park South: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos. XH430026RT, XH430032RO (11/27/13) [2-pg. doc.]