New Carpeting in Common Areas

Landlord replaced hallway carpeting in three buildings. The old carpeting had been there for about 20 years and looked shabby. Landlord asked the DHCR if the new carpeting qualified as an MCI. In an opinion letter, the DHCR said maybe. To qualify as replacement carpeting, the carpet must be wall-to-wall and cover public areas previously carpeted. The Rent Stabilization Code didn't provide a specific useful life period for carpeting. So landlord must submit proof with its MCI application concerning the useful life. Manufacturers' specifications of both old and new carpeting, including model, style, and size, would be helpful. So would warranties or other manufacturer or industry data relating to the useful life. ''Before'' and ''after'' photographs would also be helpful.

DHCR Opin. Ltr. by Michael B. Rosenblatt (10/20/04) [2-pg. doc.]