MCI Increase Sought for Handicap Ramps

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on various improvements, including mailboxes, entrance/vestibule doors, a garbage compactor, and lobby renovation. The DRA ruled for landlord in part but denied any increase for lobby renovations and some other items. Landlord appealed and won in part. Landlord argued that the lobby renovations were done in connection with the mailboxes and other approved work. Among other things, landlord installed ADA-compliant ramps for use by handicapped individuals. Whether the ramps qualified depended on the facts, including whether prior ramps still had a useful life. And, even if not MCIs, the ramps could qualify for a building-wide rent increase if required by law. The DHCR sent the case back to the DRA for reconsideration of the ramp issue. The DHCR also approved previously disallowed MCI increases for the front roof of the underground garage and concrete sidewalks.

96-02 through 96-10 57th Avenue: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. CS110030RO (3/6/15) [5-pg. doc.]