No MCI Rent Hike for Rewiring Without Feeders, Risers

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on building-wide rewiring. The DRA ruled against landlord because feeders and risers weren't installed extending from the property box in the basement to all apartments. Landlord appealed, claiming that its contract and electrical permit showed that risers and feeders were installed, that the Certificate of Electrical Inspection stated that 15 sub-feeders were installed in each of the two buildings, that the contractor submitted a letter confirming this installation, and that landlord was trying to get an additional cost breakdown when the DRA issued its order. The DHCR ruled against landlord. Landlord's contract didn't describe the rewiring work. Although the DRA requested additional information, the contractor's letter stated only generally that new risers, air conditioner outlets, GFI, and panels were installed in each apartment and that new service was installed in the basement. Landlord didn't sufficiently prove that all requirements for rewiring were met.

34-36 Morton Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket No. SG430078RO (1/9/09) [3-pg. doc.]