MCI Rent Hike Granted for Rewiring

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on building-wide rewiring. The DRA ruled against landlord because no feeders were installed as indicated in landlord's contract and approvals. Landlord appealed and won. To qualify as an MCI, rewiring requires the installation of new electrical service from the property box in the basement to every apartment sufficient to accommodate the installation of air conditioner circuits and outlets, as well as two double outlets in the kitchen for heavy-duty appliances. Landlord pointed out that due to an amendment to the Building Code, reference to "feeders" and "sub-feeders" was changed to "risers" at the time of the installation and contractor's proposal, and that the contractor had actually installed feeders and risers. The DHCR inspection also showed that new risers, new electrical meters, and pans for each apartment were installed.

184-186-188 Norfolk Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. TB430045RO (5/29/09) [4-pg. doc.]