No MCI Rent Hike for Digital Heating Control

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on the installation of a fuel digital heating control. The DRA ruled against landlord, who appealed and lost. Landlord argued that the new control replaced the entire old regulating system and provided better heat regulation and improved fuel efficiency. But the DHCR's well-established policy is that the installation of a heat timer is an optional addition to a heating system and doesn't constitute an MCI unless installed in connection with a qualifying improvement.

21 Bank Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. XD430019RO (8/19/10) [2-pg. doc.]