MCI Rent Hike Granted for Elevator Upgrade

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on an elevator upgrade. The DRA ruled against landlord. The work included replacing a manually operated elevator with an automatic elevator, but landlord hadn't filed an application for modification of services with the DHCR. Landlord appealed and won. Landlord pointed out that, despite the DRA's many requests for additional information, it never advised landlord that an application to modify services was needed. Landlord filed this application immediately after receiving the DRA's order, and it was approved while landlord's PAR was pending. The DRA found no decrease in required services as result of the elevator upgrade. Under the circumstances, the MCI rent hike should be granted.

186 Franklin Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. WH410012RO (11/18/09) [4-pg. doc.]