No Increase for Hallway Rewiring

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on the installation of new wiring in the building's hallways and entranceway. The DRA denied landlord's application, finding that these items were normal repairs and maintenance rather than MCIs. Landlord appealed, and the DHCR denied landlord's PAR. In order for rewiring work to qualify as an MCI, new risers and feeders extending from the property box in the basement to every apartment must be installed with enough capacity to accommodate air-conditioner circuits and a heavy appliance outlet in apartment kitchens. Here, landlord installed three individual lines for hallway lights at three landing locations. New copper feeders and risers weren't installed. This work doesn't constitute an MCI.

Bevilacqua: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. No. DK 130305-RO (3/3/93) [2-page document]